Backup lights on all the time

[Chris E.]

Can't seem to get the backup lights to shut off on my 67.

I'm assuming I should start by looking at the cotter pin that holds the arm into the backup light switch down by the transmission.

If that is OK, then what? Bad switch?

[Wayne M.]

Re: Backup lights on all the time

Chris -- sounds like you're on the right track. I know you said that the B-U lights are on ALL the time, but does that include when you've shifted into reverse ? Maybe the leads are switched at the firewall end connector.

Here's 2 pics of an original "666" switch off a 1965. Pic from the front shows the swing arm in exactly the position between OFF (as shown) and ON (with the slightest rotation clockwise). The black wire with green stripe is broken off. Speaking of wires, I have this suspicion that ALL C2 years had the B-U switch & wire harness assembly with black wires with pink or green stripes. The ones you see with solid pink or solid green colors are service or repro's.

This is in spite of the colors of the main under-dash wiring harness colors changing to solid colors at the firewall side of the connector sometime in mid-to-late 1965 model year.

Note the original "RBW" screws holding the switch and shield to the bracket.

[Chris E.]

Re: Backup lights on all the time

Well,I haven't tried a bunch of scenarios, all I know is the car went forward once the other day with the backup lights still on from having been in reverse.

I'll have to do some more experimenting, but without brakes that is a LITTLE dicey right now.

More later.

[Stephen L.]

Re: Backup lights on all the time

Disconnect the switch at the firewall connection. If the lights go off the problem is at the switch. If not then you probably have a pinched harness somewhere in that circuitry

Check the switch for proper installation. You may have the switch or arm installed incorrectly and the switch is held in the on condition.

Disconnect arm rod at switch and cycle the switch by hand observing the lights on/off condition. When they are off reinstall arm rod. IF they won't go off then you have a faulty switch, OR.....
Check for pinched wires of the switch leads....

The switch has 12vdc present, so the wires will NOT be shorted to ground or the fuse would have blown.

[Chris E.]

Re: Backup lights on all the time

Thanks Steve, I'll check that next time I'm working on the car. That is exactly the kind of troubleshooting advice I needed.

[Michael G.]

Re: Backup lights on all the time

All,

It may be simpiler than wiring. The reverse light switch down by shifter has adjustment. If the switch and the rod which engages the switch aren't adjusted properly, backup lights can remain on. When the transmission is placed into reverse the rod moves and activates the switch. If out of adjustment, light will stay on.