I have a 73, standard transmission. Reverse lights remain on regardless of the gear I am in. Is there a quick adjustment? Any thoughts on where to begin my search for correcting this problem?
Thanks

 

most likely the wire linkage that controls the backup light is bent, or the switch itself. just get under the car and check out the driver's side of the trans.

 

or your could just pull the bulbs till you van get under it

 

It works by a small rod connection to the reverse lever on the transmission. The link is held by little clips on the switch and the lever. One of mine fell off and the link came loose. It could also need a little adjustment, the mounting plate on the switch has slotted holes and you can loosen the bolts and tilt the switch back or forth if it's just out a little. If the rod is gone and you want to turn off the b/u lights till you get on, manually move the switch till they go off and they will stay off.

 

Looks like this. Link maybe fell off.

 

Thank you,
very helpful!!

 

Interestingly enough, I have the same problem. The car is on jacks and although it's grimy under there, everything is there. The connecting rod is there, however, it is loose. I don't see anyway to adjust or tighten this rod. Can anyone point in the picture what I should be adjusting? Anyone have a picture or part number of the little clip?

Where in the picture is "the mounting plate on the switch has slotted holes and you can loosen the bolts and tilt the switch back or forth if it's just out a little." And how do you, "manually move the switch till they go off and they will stay off."

appreciate the help

 

The holes that the two bolts go through on the switch mount are slotted. Look at the picture above yours, it's easier to see the slots. If you loosen the two bolts (3/8", I think, might be 5/16) the switch will rotate slightly clockwise and counter clockwise. If the rod is not connected,and you want your reverse lights off just move the lever that is on the switch to a position where the lights are off. If there's not enough adjustment room in the slots to get the switch off and on as needed, you can also bend the rod a little, but that shouldn't be necessary. Bear in mind that your switch could be shorted internally. If so, the only way to get your reverse lights off is to remove the fuse or look under the hood on the driver's side near the firewall and you'll see the two wire (pink and green) connector that feeds into the interior under the dash. Just disconnect that plug. The adjustment really is simple if you have someone moving into and out of reverse as you rotate the switch plate. Make sure you have the ignition switch on (doesn't have to be running). Don't take the bolts all the way out, just loosen. The clip that holds the rod on at each end looks like a washer with a bent center post like piece built in. I've seen pictures in parts catalogs, I got one from Volvette. The older ones use small cotter pins. The rod has a groove cut around each end for the clip to snap into. Either will work, there's no outward pressure on the rod. The clip just keeps it from falling out of the hole.Post any more questions or if you get it going.

 

Well, I managed to get both bolts (5/16") loose and moved the switch about halfway back in the groove. In my picture, the bolt is against the stop. Well, I then removed the jacks, lowered the car, fired it up, (I'm working solo here today) and the reverse lights remain on. I guess I'll have to jack it up again and move the switch full throw opposite direction.

If that doesn't work, I'll try pulling fuses. It's 60 degrees here in Sandy Eggo and I need to go burn some gas.

Thanks for the suggestions.

 

Compare the rod in both pictures, looks like yours has a bend that might not want to be there.

 

I had the exact same problem with mine. It required adjusting and took me a couple tries to get it right. It is much easier to do with help. Have them shift in and out of reverse, while you are underneath and it will all make sense, then leave it in reverse and have them view the lights from the rear to tell you when it is correct. Good luck.

 

Still no luck. I adjusted the switch full throw and still the lights come on. Yes, the connecting rod has a bend in it, but it doesn't come out of either end, so not sure how I could straighen it.

Does it matter what gear I'm in when I'm adjusting?

Are there any photo choppers out there that can help me draw lines on the pictures to show y'all what I'm adjusting?

Thanks for all the input fellas.

 

Put it in netural and adjust till lights go out

 

Finally, success. After multiple up and downs, adjusting, shifting and trying to figure it out, I happened upon the right combination.

Thanks for all the suggestions. You guys rock.

 

You need to have it in reverse when adjusting.

 

Next Time Leave On Jackstands And Turn Key To On But Dont Start. Save You A Whole Lot Of Ag.

 

Good for you and damn nice looking ride Raider

 

65GGvert - thanks for the suggestions. I appreciate all the guidance.

croaker - good point, I was too frustrated to think of this on my own

A88FXRS - The first three times I actually lowered the car, being overly optimistic. After the third time, I figured I had no idea what I was doing. Eventually I read about just turning the key while on jacks. What I meant by up and downs was me getting under the car, making an adjustment, geting up, turning the key on and walking to the back. Repeat multiple times. Proof that God has a sense of humor. :o

DZRick - thanks for the compliment - in pictures the car looks awesome. In person, up close, it's only nice. But, it runs and I love Mulsanne Blue.

Hope the sun comes out tomorrow. I plan to get out there and burn a tank of gas.

see y'all out there -

 

It takes a lot of ***** to crawl under a car supported like that!!! Reverse lights are the least of your problems if car decided to shift a hair from you working on the trans. Plus with that size jack and all the blocks you have in the pic, seems like it's a double jacker to get it to that height. Get a bigger jack with a higher lift, and invest in 4 car ramps, at least wheels are supported and the worst can happen is car will roll off, but if you put the front ramps opposing to the back, perfectly safe!!!.......................B

 

4 SPEEDS IN REVERSE?

maybe the trannies in backwards