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Old Nov 18, 2007 | 04:06 PM
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Default reverse lights

my reverse lights don't work after getting car back from transmission work. i was looking at the wiring diagram and see that the reverse lights are connected to 2 door ajar switches. so i was replacing those and the 2 wires on the drivers side went all the way into the hole in the door jamb. what is the easiest way to get at those 2 wires? thanks.
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Old Nov 18, 2007 | 04:10 PM
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3 ways, in order of most to least ideal solution:

1. Get behind it (or find a hole you can stick your hand through) and try to thread them through.

2. Get a magnet on a stick and try to hook them and draw them back through the hole.

3. Same as #2 but with a bent coat hanger
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Old Nov 18, 2007 | 04:18 PM
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Originally Posted by dave_roads
my reverse lights don't work after getting car back from transmission work. i was looking at the wiring diagram and see that the reverse lights are connected to 2 door ajar switches. so i was replacing those and the 2 wires on the drivers side went all the way into the hole in the door jamb. what is the easiest way to get at those 2 wires? thanks.
Your reverse lights are connected to 2 DOOR ajar switches?Throw that wiring diagram away.
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Old Nov 18, 2007 | 04:19 PM
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Originally Posted by DWncchs
Your reverse lights are connected to 2 DOOR ajar switches?

I'd guess one on either side, either that or Bubba's been here.
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Old Nov 18, 2007 | 05:51 PM
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Originally Posted by DWncchs
Your reverse lights are connected to 2 DOOR ajar switches?Throw that wiring diagram away.
Yep, as far as it will go.
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Old Nov 18, 2007 | 10:22 PM
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What year is your car? I don't think that your reverse lights have any thing to do with ajar switches.If the wires go in the hole ,you can take off access plate inside wheel well near #3 body mount and get at them.Could be several diff. things for the reverse lights.
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Old Nov 19, 2007 | 01:31 AM
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ok. removed the access panel in the wheel well. did not know it was there. the car's a '69. got the wires. needed to replace that switch anyway. the wiring diagram is the big laminated one from lectric. the reverse lights tie into a ppl/blue wire coming off the ajar switches. anyway...i'm assuming the mechanic didn't hook something back up after r&r-ing the transmission, hence making the reverse lights not work. they worked before
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Old Nov 19, 2007 | 07:38 AM
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Originally Posted by dave_roads
the wiring diagram is the big laminated one from lectric. the reverse lights tie into a ppl/blue wire coming off the ajar switches.
You need to go back and look at that again.The wire from the reverse lights coming from the rear of car is light green and does not tie in with the door ajar wiring.If your diagram shows this you need to bring this to the attention of the company that sold it to you.Can you scan it and post it here?
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Old Nov 19, 2007 | 08:39 AM
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Is that an auto or standard? Not sure but isn't there a switch on the tranny ,if standard ,that is activated by the reverse linkage?Could that not been hooked up or damaged in the r.r.?
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Old Nov 19, 2007 | 10:13 AM
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Originally Posted by 76 VETTE
Is that an auto or standard? Not sure but isn't there a switch on the tranny ,if standard ,that is activated by the reverse linkage?Could that not been hooked up or damaged in the r.r.?
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Old Nov 19, 2007 | 06:13 PM
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Dave
There are lots of guys here who can give you expert advice on this topic..........

Now be a good boy and FILL OUT YOUR PROFILE..............
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Old Nov 19, 2007 | 10:53 PM
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Originally Posted by brdd
Dave
There are lots of guys here who can give you expert advice on this topic..........

Now be a good boy and FILL OUT YOUR PROFILE..............
i stepped up to the big boy toilet and filled out my profile. even added a few pics mostly of the corvette and 1 of my other car. most of the pics were taken at night as i work late every night. SO.. about those reverse lights...?
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Old Nov 19, 2007 | 11:14 PM
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Originally Posted by 76 VETTE
Is that an auto or standard? Not sure but isn't there a switch on the tranny ,if standard ,that is activated by the reverse linkage?Could that not been hooked up or damaged in the r.r.?
I'd agree that this should be your first item to check since you just had transmission work performed. The reverse switch at the transmission has a 3 or 4-inch rod connecting it to the reverse linkage on the trans via a small clip on each end (very easy to lose or get frustrated and give up). I bet the linkage was not put back correctly or not at all. I just replaced mine on my '72 a few months ago. The wires should run up to the top of the firewall and connect to the wiring harness at that point, and have nothing to do with door switches. Get under and check out the switch and rod before you go crazy with your strange wiring diagram.
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Old Nov 19, 2007 | 11:30 PM
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Originally Posted by dave_roads
SO.. about those reverse lights...?
Check the pics in this thread.2nd pic shows the reverse light switch on the side of trans.This probably where the problem is.Sometimes trans shops remove switch from trans and stuff it over to the side and forget to bolt it back up when putting trans back in.http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...reverse+switch
They could just have it adjusted wrong.Also check the backup lamp fuse.

Last edited by ...Roger...; Nov 19, 2007 at 11:33 PM.
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