Backup Light Switch Problem - 67c10

[kevin67c10]

Hi folks,

I have an interesting dilemma. I went for inspection, and realized I don't have backup lights in my Chevrolet 1967 C10 Longbed Stepside (automatic TH350 transmission, newish tilt steering column)! So I did a little investigation..

1) I popped the hood and unplugged the wiring harness that goes to the lights at the back of the truck. Took a wire from positive connection of battery to each wire, to make sure it wasn't anything on those wires that go back to the lights, and it wasnt the lights themselves. The backup lights turned on. So I know it is a problem inside the cab.

2) Checked the fuse. It's fine.

3) I put a circuit tester on one side of the prongs of the backup light switch (at the bottom of the steering column), and saw that I had power. So I know it's getting power.

4) I connected the two sides of the backup light switch with a screwdriver to send power to the other side and saw that the backup light comes on.

BUT

4) When I shift into reverse, the power does not go to the other side of the switch, so the lights dont come on.

So it sounds like the column is not engaging the switch, or the switch is ignoring it. What does that mean? Does that mean I should get a new switch? Does that mean the switch isn't installed properly and needs to be reinstalled? I have no idea - I've never dealt with these switches.

What do you think? Anybody have advice?

Thanks,

Kevin T. Smith
(P.S. - Check out the TRUMAN - http://www.trumantruck.com/. After 7 years, it is done! Well, except for backup lights and a nice wood bed. I threw a 4x8 piece of plywood down in the mean time.)

[JimKshortstep4x4]

If your neutral safety function works in park and neutral then I suspect that the switch may be bad. Not knowing what you mean by a "newish tilt" I can't advise on how to adjust the switch.

Jim

[68 P.O.S.]

I have a worn out steering column (there is a lot of play in it) so my back up lights don't always turn on. Maybe that could be your problem.

[kevin67c10]

The steering column is about 3 years old - got the tilt steering column from Brother's Trucks. It's possible, though - that I never actually got the reverse lights working.. Maybe I installed the backup light switch incorrectly?

[ThatOneBlue67]

If its anything like the stock column, then there is some SLIGHT room for adjustment, depending on whether or not you had a Powerglide vs. TH350 (or in my case, a 700R4). You can actually adjust it to have your reverse lights on in PARK or NEUTRAL. I would have an assistant see if they come on in any other gear.

[kevin67c10]

Well, I disconnected the backup light switch, and sure enough, the plastic was broken, allowing the switch to go out of position. I'm wondering how long that has been the case? I switched (manual to Auto) transmissions BEFORE last inspection. They must not have caught the back-up lights not working.

So I'm ordering one for about $8 from Advance Auto Parts.

Thanks,

Kevin

[kevin67c10]

Thanks for everyone's advice. The brake light switch was broken. Took it off, and installed the new one this weekend. Works like a champ.

[LockDoc]

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Glad to hear you got it sorted.... Looks like you're good to go.

LockDoc

[Orange]

Originally Posted by ThatOneBlue67

If its anything like the stock column, then there is some SLIGHT room for adjustment, depending on whether or not you had a Powerglide vs. TH350 (or in my case, a 700R4). You can actually adjust it to have your reverse lights on in PARK or NEUTRAL. I would have an assistant see if they come on in any other gear.

More info please!!!

Mine come on in neutral - and I don't know what to do about it. Please tell me what to adjust where, what, whatever.

Thanks!

DLB

[LOW DOUGH]

Mine never work. It was a 3 on the tree but now a TH350. I didn't do the swap but I have hade the engine and trany out 4 or 5 times. I am going to be putting in a 69 Tilt auto column in. I don't even know were the reverse switch is or what it looks like. Any help would be great. Love this site.

[kevin67c10]

The switch is shaped like a crescent moon and is at the bottom of your steering column if you have an automatic transmission. It is also referred to as a "Neutral safety switch." It has 2 wires coming in on one side, controlling reverse lights, and 2 wires on the other sides preventing starting the car unless it is in park or neutral.

It is very tricky to adjust. There is a little dimple in the steering column over where it goes, that moves when you shift from P-R-D-N- etc.. Your best bet is put the parking brake on, switch it to reverse, make your connections and move the switch to the point where the lights come on. Then disconnect the electrical connections, try to put the notch from the switch over the movable thing in the steering column, then tighten the screws and hope for the best.

Of course, if you have a manual transmission, the switch may be on the transmission itself.

Good news for me? It passed inspection because reverse lights come on when they are supposed to. But it is obviously not all working now because I can start the ignition in drive. So another adjustment may be necessary.

[LockDoc]

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Maybe this has been mentioned but you may have the wrong switch for your vehicle....

LockDoc

Originally Posted by kevin67c10

<SNIP>

Good news for me? It passed inspection because reverse lights come on when they are supposed to. But it is obviously not all working now because I can start the ignition in drive. So another adjustment may be necessary.

[kevin67c10]

It hasn't been mentioned - it looks just like the old one. Can you explain, LockDoc?

Thanks,

Kevin

[LockDoc]

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Kevin,

I'm no expert on the switches but if someone put a later model column from a truck with a TH400, etc. I would think that the detents in the switch would be different or the throw on the linkage might be longer or shorter. If everything is correct that way I wouldn't think it would be that hard to set up.

Just some thoughts to ponder......

LockDoc