2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Back-up light switch to expensive

[Missouri Mule]

My back-up lights have been not working for sometime. So I decided to get under the truck to see where the switch was. I already checked the light bulbs out and they were fine (used the battery and test leads).

While under the truck I decided to check out the wiring. I by-passed the switch and the back up lights worked( key in on position, brake on, engine off. gear lever in reverse).



Went looking for switch at my mechanics and two part stores all said it had to be ordered. Quote on switch at mechanic's $ 80. 00,

both part stores $64. 00. I thought no way could this part cost that much.



I had four other options junk yard, internet, airplane surplus store, or see if I could make it work.



Took switch out sprayed the ball down with w-40 pushed in out a few a few times, checked with battery, test leads and multi-meter it worked.

But when I put it the wire connector back on no lights.

After re- testing the wire connector and switch at least 20 times I finally realized that the male pins on the wire connector were smaller in diameter than the female pins on the switch and that the male pin touched the bottom of female pins to make a connection. I re-tested switch again this time with test leads all the way to the bottom (not on top/sides) nothing out of switch but test leads scratched enough tarnish off bottom finally to get current thru. Tested switch on wire connector again, lights came on.

Put switch back into trans everthing working fine.

Back- up bulbs are the same as your tail/brake bulbs but connector only turns on brake(brighter) element.



Hope this helps to save others some money.

(The back-up switch should be $3. 99 it is a very old style switch).

 

[icarus33]

I'm having a problem where the switch is intermittent. I can get the backup lights to work if I lift the shift lever towards park. I have been all around the linkage, and the last time I had the transmission pan off, I can see that the little wiper block is just not quite hitting the switch ball when the tran. is in reverse. I was thinking about replacing that switch, but may have to rethink that since your post about the price.

Did you have to drain the transmission to pull the switch or is the fluid level below that point? I may have to check those pins as you did, but like I said if I pull up on the shift lever towards park they will work.



ic

 

[ntillm01]

icarus, the switch for your automatic is very different than Mule's 5speed. In the case of the automatic, I'd re-adjust the shift linkage, per the service manual procedure if you have it. The hydraulic valve can take a little more out-of-adjustment than the electric switch sometimes.



On that note, I agree. 60-80 bucks for a simple ball-switch is crazy. The auto trans ones perform two functions and they don't cost that much.

 

[Missouri Mule]

icarus33,

My switch is on top of trans no need to drain just hard to reach.

 

[icarus33]

I didn't read the detail on the transmission being a manual. Got too excited that someone else was in the same near boat.

I've tried the linkage adjusment and it just goofs up the position of the shifter indicator in the dash. The issue is that when the transmission is in the gate or notch for reverse the switch does not make. If the lever is slightly pushed towards park on the transmission, the switch will make. The wiper arm rivet may just be loose enough that it is not hitting the ball on the switch. Anyone know if this can be pulled without loosing fluid? I can't recall if the switch would be above the oil level.



ic

 

[Dave M]

I have a 97 dually 5spd and I wired a switch on dash ubtil I can get switch out. The switch tested good with ohmeter with connnector off. Wiring is good to lights cause with connector off and a jumper installed the lights come on. Price I got was $76.



It was hard to tell how the switch is mounted since it's close to the floorboard. Just how did you get it off - what tools did you use. I will try the same thing you did.



Thanks,



Dave

 

[Missouri Mule]

Dave, I sent you pm.



icarus33,

Pan on transmission has to come off.

I did search on back-light switches and there were several post that had instructions how to adjust something inside of auto trans for switch activation.

 

[boeckm]

I have a 92 with a NV4500 upgrade and tried several dealers to get connector for the switch on my trans because truck connector was for older style getrag switch. Then I decided to try the other way and get a old style getrag switch and put it in my NV4500. New switch for 92 W350 is under $11 at www.rockauto.com. It worked great. Also just checked and a 96 Nv4500 switch there is $35. 79.