Backup light switch, column mounted,1980 3ott
 

My backup lights won't come on, and I have traced to it to backup light switch. This is a 3 spd, 3ott and the switch is mounted on the column by the firewall, and there is no transmission mounted switch. The circuit not including the switch is fine; if you jumper the connector the lights come on.
The switch does not seem adjustable as there are tabs which fit into the slot on the column and hold it in position. With the switch out I can feel the plates come across as I move the shifter so that seems OK. However, with the switch installed, it feels like the plates are riding up over the sliding part of the switch and not moving it ( can feel a "clunk" ). The switch is OK electrically and works if you push the slider over by hand, although it is stiff; tired lubing it a bit with silicone and that did not seem to help much. So, I figure the switch is just clapped out mechanically and I want to replace it but I can't find the part - I have looked at all of the usual suspects and only thing that looks like it is LMC part number 36-0665 - which says "is not available at this time".
Does anyone have a GM part number or knows who carries these?

Thanks.

Re: Backup light switch, column mounted,1980 3ott
 

see if there is a part number on there and google it then you can search auto parts stores to see if they can find it.... that's how I do it with the parts for mine GM Parts direct and Napa seem to have the most for these old trucks although GM Parts direct is pricey on shipping

Re: Backup light switch, column mounted,1980 3ott
 

Why not disassemble it and clean and relube? Also is there any bushings that could wear out causing the shift tubes to misalign enough to skip on the tang?

Re: Backup light switch, column mounted,1980 3ott
 

It says "BETA 2" at the top in the photo, but nothing else so there's no part number; it looks more like an aftermarket part. I did take it apart, clean it and work it back and forth but it didn't seem to help much. The sliding tab seems to cock sideways just a little which may be the problem. I may have to try that again though.

Re: Backup light switch, column mounted,1980 3ott
 

is this it? http://www.ebay.com/itm/NOS-1979-198...item2c7ba15d30

Luckilly im bored today and have time to play on the interwebs

search the web with the part number on there and youll get multiple hits

Re: Backup light switch, column mounted,1980 3ott
 

Excellent work, detective! That sure looks like it. I see from some of the google hits that it's a discontinued part as well.
Thanks!

Re: Backup light switch, column mounted,1980 3ott
 

For that kind of price I say go for it!!!

Re: Backup light switch, column mounted,1980 3ott
 

That's what I thought - so I went after it and the price got up to $22.50 and I was losing - but there was another one for $20 and Buy It Now so I bought that one. Hopefully this will fix the problem; this is the last thing I need to fix to get it inspected.
Having a "14" on the windshield registration sticker and and "8" on the inspection sticker is a nice classic truck touch though. I usually push my luck for a month or two but 6 years may be a bit too far.

Re: Backup light switch, column mounted,1980 3ott
 

Sorry, forgot to add - in case that ebay link goes bad some day - the GM part number is 329816 , Backup Lamp Switch ( not Backup Light Switch like I kept looking for...)

Re: Backup light switch, column mounted,1980 3ott
 

found the switch for sale new online for my 1966 3-speed column shift:
http://www.classiccarautoparts.com/c..._exterior.html

$20 shipped!