Reverse Light Switch
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
Reverse Light Switch
Hello All
I am new to the forum and just purchased my first Corvette a 1973 convertible 4 speed. I have had many cars over the years but never a vette, before this one. I am currently sorting out most of the mess made by the PO and noticed the reverse lights were not working and when I removed the center console to fix some other issues I saw that the PO had attached a ridiculous switch to the side of the shifter. I removed the switch and attached the pink and green wires and still no lights. I went under the car and found that there was also a switch in the trans. I need to replace this switch as it is bad. Now for my question. The switch is located in the front left of the trans and it is a screw in single pin switch. When I look up reverse switch for a 73 all I come up with is the switch that attaches to the linkage. Can anyone tell me what switch I need? Did all 73s come with the Linkage type switch? I am wondering if the trans was swapped out somewhere along the cars life.
Thanks for any advice
I am new to the forum and just purchased my first Corvette a 1973 convertible 4 speed. I have had many cars over the years but never a vette, before this one. I am currently sorting out most of the mess made by the PO and noticed the reverse lights were not working and when I removed the center console to fix some other issues I saw that the PO had attached a ridiculous switch to the side of the shifter. I removed the switch and attached the pink and green wires and still no lights. I went under the car and found that there was also a switch in the trans. I need to replace this switch as it is bad. Now for my question. The switch is located in the front left of the trans and it is a screw in single pin switch. When I look up reverse switch for a 73 all I come up with is the switch that attaches to the linkage. Can anyone tell me what switch I need? Did all 73s come with the Linkage type switch? I am wondering if the trans was swapped out somewhere along the cars life.
Thanks for any advice
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 19,294
Likes: 2,753
From: Charlotte NC
It will depend on what transmission oyu ahve.
The reverse light switch actually is connected to two bolts for the side cover adn rod is attached to teh reverse linkage.
The PINK wire should have battery voltage on it with the key ON.
Put 12 volts to the light green wire and see if the reverse light light up. If they don't...then you have other issues that obviously will need to be addressed and I am not going into every possibility of what problem you can have until I hear back from you on this.
DUB.
The reverse light switch actually is connected to two bolts for the side cover adn rod is attached to teh reverse linkage.
The PINK wire should have battery voltage on it with the key ON.
Put 12 volts to the light green wire and see if the reverse light light up. If they don't...then you have other issues that obviously will need to be addressed and I am not going into every possibility of what problem you can have until I hear back from you on this.
DUB.
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
It will depend on what transmission oyu ahve.
The reverse light switch actually is connected to two bolts for the side cover adn rod is attached to teh reverse linkage.
The PINK wire should have battery voltage on it with the key ON.
Put 12 volts to the light green wire and see if the reverse light light up. If they don't...then you have other issues that obviously will need to be addressed and I am not going into every possibility of what problem you can have until I hear back from you on this.
DUB.
The reverse light switch actually is connected to two bolts for the side cover adn rod is attached to teh reverse linkage.
The PINK wire should have battery voltage on it with the key ON.
Put 12 volts to the light green wire and see if the reverse light light up. If they don't...then you have other issues that obviously will need to be addressed and I am not going into every possibility of what problem you can have until I hear back from you on this.
DUB.
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 3,729
Likes: 267
From: Austin Texas
Corvette of the Year Winner 2017
2016 C3 of Year Finalist
the switch is adjustable, remove from transmission and test switch.
if good reinstall and adjust. ...if bad replace it, it is a very simple switch.
if good reinstall and adjust. ...if bad replace it, it is a very simple switch.
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
I know the switch is bad I just cannot find a part number for the switch on any of the parts sites. They only list the linkage type switch for a C3. I am asking if anyone happens to know the part number
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 6,638
Likes: 287
From: Ann Arbor Michigan
https://www.ecklerscorvette.com/corv...1968-1978.html
Last edited by Duke94; Sep 4, 2018 at 12:05 PM.
Race Director
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 18,126
Likes: 174
From: WI
you are not listening, you are looking at the TCS or TSC (trans controlled spark switch) not the reverse light switch. as posted the backup light switch bracket mounts with two bolts to the side cover and attaches via a little rod to the reverse lever
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 2,093
Likes: 297
From: Midlothian VA
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Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
Thank you that is exactly what I was talking about. Now I know I need to replace the entire linkage switch as none of it is present. thanks for the replies
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 19,294
Likes: 2,753
From: Charlotte NC
And KNOWING what type of manual transmission you have does make a difference when you go to buy this stuff.. It will be MUNCIE or BORG-WARNER. The rods are completely different and also the mounting bracket.
DUB
DUB
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
Thank you I did notice that when I looked up the parts. I will be sure to check before ordering the parts