Backup lights and reverse indicator not working

[Carolina Carl]

Hello to everyone, hopefully somebody can help with a problem. I just re-installed by four speed trany back in by '68 roadrunner Sat. and now the backup lights and the light inside the car indicating that the trans. is in reverse will not work. Do they both work off of the switch that is located on the side of the trans which is plugged in or could that switch possibly not work, or do they both work off of the same fuse. I don't think that I damaged the switch but that could be possible. Thanks for any help.

 

[A383Wing]

the reverse lights do not have a fuse...they get the power from wiper switch I think....the 2 wires run up to bulkhead connector in engine compartment...

did you remove or replace anything else while trans was out?

Bryan

 

[Richard Cranium]

Check for continuity on the switch to see if that works. Next, jump the two connectors on the switch plug to see if the lights come on. If that dowesn't work, check the plug terminalswhere they plug in (wiper connector). Also, try wiggling the wiper connector at the bulkhead disconnect to see if it's loose.

These are a start.

 

[Nick2317]

Neutral safety switch possibly?

 

[Budnicks]

Check for continuity on the switch to see if that works. Next, jump the two connectors on the switch plug to see if the lights come on. If that dowesn't work, check the plug terminalswhere they plug in (wiper connector). Also, try wiggling the wiper connector at the bulkhead disconnect to see if it's loose.

These are a start.

If I remember correctly they work but completing the circuit with a ground, when the shifter lever is put into reverse it grounds the back up light switch & completes the connection... I will need to look in my 1968 Plymouth Factory Service Manual to make sure thou...

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make sure the backup light switch isn't too tight either only torque to 15 ft/lbs or it will crush/push out the gasket & put the reverse lite sender in too far into the trans possibly...

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it's a b2-18 ga. Violet & b1 18 ga. Violet wires coming from the back up light sender switch to the wiper motor/starter motor/oil pressure/back up lamp switch wiring, that goes either to/thru either the top 2 connection on the left or bottom 2 connections on the right, on the bulkhead main plugs/connectors, you should be able to tell by the 1 Violet 18 Ga. wire & 1 White 18 ga. wires next to each other, that are going to the Wiper motor from the bulk head connections... you should double check with the 68 Factory Service Manual thou... you can may be able see the wiring schematic for the wiper bulkhead & back up light switch @ www.mymopar.com in their online wiring diagrams under tools if you don't have a Manual maybe, for 1968 Plymouth Belvedere/Satellites/Sport Satellites/GTX/Road Runner... sorry if that sound confusing

 

[696969]

I'm having a similar problem that I've been wrestling with for many weeks. My reverse lights "never" worked and my wipers died recently.

 

[Budnicks]

Maybe try unplugging the wires, clean the oxidation off both side of the connections/terminals "carefully", use some electronic cleaner spray, that wont leave a residue, let it dry, it dries rather quickly, then use a dab of dielectric grease on each & all electrical the connections/terminals, to help keep out moisture & corrosion... good luck

 

[696969]

Maybe try unplugging the wires, clean the oxidation off both side of the connections/terminals "carefully", use some electronic cleaner spray, that wont leave a residue, let it dry, it dries rather quickly, then use a dab of dielectric grease on each & all electrical the connections/terminals, to help keep out moisture & corrosion... good luck

Thanks Budnicks for that sound advice. I've done just that. My bulkhead connector looks ok and not burned. I think I'm zeroing in on the problem. The engine harness and dash harness had been "modified" on my car and I'm trying to piece it together.

 

[dave dodge]

Just went through the same problem with my 67 R/T. What you could try is taking plug out of transmission run a jumper wire from one side to the other, with key on and trans in reverse , reverse lights should illuminate, if they don't check that your shifter is adjusted properly or reverse switch not working..