2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Backup Lights

[JMichelson]

Does anybody in TDR land know how to adjust the switch for the backup lights on a 98 automatic. When I put the truck in reverse the backup lights don’t come on unless I hold the shift lever over to the left a little while in reverse. Thanks, Jeff

 

[BudW]

you will need to adjust the shifter linkage.



make sure its in park.

loosen the lock bolt on the front shift rod adjustment (this rod attaches to engine compartment side of steering column going down).

move the transmission shift lever to the rear as far as it will go.

tighten the lock bolt.

check for operation.



if that does not fix the problem, you may have a problem with the safety switch/backup light switch (same part).



Bud

 

[B.G. Smith]

Backup light switch

The manual recommends you do this adjustment with the truck on jack stands, all wheels off the ground as it is possible to shift the trans. out of park and the truck roll over you(not good). Anyway, put the shift lever inside the truck in park and remove the key. Get under the truck (up close and personal) and inspect the trans. shift linkage for worn grommets, loose or bent connections. If all is ok, find the adjustment swivel lock, (it is on the bottom end of the rod coming down from the steering col. ) Loosen the adj. swivel lock bolt and make sure the swivel is completely free on the shift rod. Now move the shift lever on the transmission as far as it will go toward the reatr of the vehicle, that should be the park position, tighten the swivel lock bolt, that should do it. The neutral/backup light switch is screwed into the trans. just behind the shift lever, no adjustment there though. bg Bud types faster than me. bg

 

[BudW]

how true!

To me, that is done automatically.



I have done it without jackstands but the parking brake is always on and wheels blocked.



Bud