2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Reverse lights on the fritz

[peteweb]

I have been having problems with my reverse lights as of late. They work sometimes, but in the past few weeks they hardly ever work. They seem to work and then flicker on and off as im backing up. They both do it at the same time so it is not the bulbs. I have checked the switch at the trans. and that seems to work. Does anyone have any suggestions on where to go from here.

 

[Sfarris]

reverse lights

I had the same problem in my 2000. It was an automatic, and the problem was a connection at the shifter on the column- wiggling the shifter produced favorable results on occasion, which meant short.



Unfortunately, i can't offer any repair info, just letting you know that you aren't crazy! I didn't fix mine, but did narrow it down to something at the column level.



There, how is that for Microsoft style info- accurate but useless?

 

[V Baker]

Had the same problem with my 98. 5,replaced the nutral-safety switch on the tramsmission,solved my problem. This switch also controlls the backup lights. You can use a jumper on two of the three wires,green and brown I think. Turn the key on and put it in reverse. If it's the neutral-safety switch,lights should work. If you change the switch,be aware that it is below the fluid level. I lost about a quart . Also don't forget the metal washer. Good Luck!

 

[elamb]

Mine went out all at once. The switch on the side of the trans. was bad. Dealers replaced for free this past friday.



Eric

 

[RabidRam]

just a suggestion...

Last night I finished installing 2 six inch Explorer Pro Comp 100W off-road lights... pointing backwards. Now, not only can I see when backing up, but anybody behind me gets a free tan.



Why fix it when you can make it better?!

 

[kshimizu]

I've had the same problem for the last few months also, but I have a 6 speed manual. Exactly what you guys are describing, sometimes they work, other times it won't, and sometimes just flickering. I hooked up some auxillary backup lights about 6 months ago and thought that it might have something to do with that. At first I had it wired in to the regular backup lights so they'd all just go on in reverse, now I just use them on a switch which always works. Is there a switch that goes out on the manuals that I should have the dealer replace? Also, is there a dealer in Las Vegas that I can take my truck in just for this fix that I won't have to pull out my DD fueling box? Joe D, what dealer did you use when you worked on my dad's truck last year?

 

[Andy Redmond]

Please use a relay when adding accessories like this. Your reverse lamp/park nutruel switch was not designed to carry such a load.



Plus if you run some 8 ga. wire back to them from the battery and let the switch or and accessory switch control the relay, you will have many years of good service, not to mention much brighter lamps and no loading on the OE wiring.



Ok, off the soap box and back to the problem, maybe a bad ground at in/ the switch or at the bulbs. . a bad connection somewhere.



Get your FSM and dig away, you'll find it!