Backup Light Switch Problem - 67c10 - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

kevin67c10 · 04-12-2007, 04:47 PM

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 · 04-12-2007, 08:14 PM

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. · 04-12-2007, 08:20 PM

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 · 04-12-2007, 09:48 PM

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 · 04-12-2007, 09:52 PM

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 · 04-13-2007, 12:02 PM

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 · 04-16-2007, 12:35 PM

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** · 04-16-2007, 01:29 PM

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

LockDoc

Orange · 04-16-2007, 04:47 PM

Quote:

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 · 04-16-2007, 05:47 PM

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 · 04-26-2007, 11:50 AM

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** · 04-26-2007, 12:49 PM

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

LockDoc

Quote:

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 · 04-26-2007, 12:59 PM

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

Thanks,

Kevin

**LockDoc** · 04-26-2007, 01:24 PM

-
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

kevin67c10 · 04-27-2007, 10:29 AM

The following thread has good info on this:

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...ad.php?t=79771

04-12-2007, 04:47 PM	#1
kevin67c10 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: Mechanicsville, VA, US Posts: 65	Backup Light Switch Problem - 67c10 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.)

04-12-2007, 08:14 PM	#2
JimKshortstep4x4 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Muskegon,MI,USA Posts: 6,026	Re: Backup Light Switch Problem - 67c10 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 __________________ 1971 Shortbox step side 4x4, 350 sbc, 3:07 rear end 1965 Impala SS 400 sbc, Muncie rock crusher 1966 Impala SS 396 bbc, TH 400 1969 El Camino, 350 sbc, TH 350 1971 Snowplow built on a Blazer frame 1972 GMC Short bed, stepside, TH 400, 427 BBC Last edited by JimKshortstep4x4; 04-12-2007 at 08:15 PM. Reason: spelling

04-12-2007, 08:20 PM	#3
68 P.O.S. Registered User Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Puyallup, WA Posts: 1,662	Re: Backup Light Switch Problem - 67c10 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. __________________ 72 C10 lwb fleetside -stock 350/350 combo

04-12-2007, 09:48 PM	#4
kevin67c10 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: Mechanicsville, VA, US Posts: 65	Re: Backup Light Switch Problem - 67c10 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?

04-12-2007, 09:52 PM	#5
ThatOneBlue67 I survived Dead Man's Curve. Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: The Nine-Five-687 Posts: 389	Re: Backup Light Switch Problem - 67c10 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. __________________ "The people should not be afraid of their government. The government should be afraid of it's people." "The Hurricane" 1967 Chevrolet C10 350 Eight Cylinder, 700R4 BowtieOverdrive *Cherry Bomb...* Disturbing the Peace Since 1968.

04-13-2007, 12:02 PM	#6
kevin67c10 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: Mechanicsville, VA, US Posts: 65	Re: Backup Light Switch Problem - 67c10 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

04-16-2007, 12:35 PM	#7
kevin67c10 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: Mechanicsville, VA, US Posts: 65	Re: Backup Light Switch Problem - 67c10 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.

04-16-2007, 01:29 PM	#8
LockDoc The Older Generation Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Montezuma, Iowa Posts: 25,771	Re: Backup Light Switch Problem - 67c10 - Glad to hear you got it sorted.... Looks like you're good to go. LockDoc __________________ Leon Locksmith, Specializing In Antique Trucks, Automobiles, & Motorcycles (My Dually Pickup Project Thread) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=829820 -

04-16-2007, 05:47 PM	#10
LOW DOUGH I'M TRUCK CRAZY! Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Sachse, TEXAS Posts: 1,737	Re: Backup Light Switch Problem - 67c10 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.

04-26-2007, 11:50 AM	#11
kevin67c10 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: Mechanicsville, VA, US Posts: 65	Re: Backup Light Switch Problem - 67c10 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. __________________ Kevin T. Smith 1967 Chevrolet C-10 Longbed Stepside Truck "The Truman" - http://www.trumantruck.com/

04-26-2007, 12:59 PM	#13
kevin67c10 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: Mechanicsville, VA, US Posts: 65	Re: Backup Light Switch Problem - 67c10 It hasn't been mentioned - it looks just like the old one. Can you explain, LockDoc? Thanks, Kevin __________________ Kevin T. Smith 1967 Chevrolet C-10 Longbed Stepside Truck "The Truman" - http://www.trumantruck.com/

04-26-2007, 01:24 PM	#14
LockDoc The Older Generation Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Montezuma, Iowa Posts: 25,771	Re: Backup Light Switch Problem - 67c10 - 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 __________________ Leon Locksmith, Specializing In Antique Trucks, Automobiles, & Motorcycles (My Dually Pickup Project Thread) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=829820 - Last edited by LockDoc; 04-26-2007 at 01:24 PM.

04-27-2007, 10:29 AM	#15
kevin67c10 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: Mechanicsville, VA, US Posts: 65	Re: Backup Light Switch Problem - 67c10 The following thread has good info on this: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...ad.php?t=79771 __________________ Kevin T. Smith 1967 Chevrolet C-10 Longbed Stepside Truck "The Truman" - http://www.trumantruck.com/



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