Reverse lights are very particular..

[Blue90]

Hey guys minor conundrum I wanted to seek some advice on.
Over the years my reverse lights have been a little particular as to when they turn on and do not. To be specific they would not like unless the shift indicator was leaning more towards Park(but still falling in the reverse area) then where it would like to settle in the reverse area. As of recently they will not light unless I am holding the shifter almost in the park position but in between reverse and Park. I understand there's some sort of an indicator sensor on the transmission is there also one in the column? Just seeking more advice before I tear apart a column and/or simply replace the sensor on the transmission.
information on the vehicle for what it's worth.
1990 Blazer K5 700R4 transmission 350 motor

Thanks!

 

[Russell]

There is no switch on the transmission. Only on the steering column. Replace that switch and you should not have any more issues with your reverse lights.

 

[PWagon]

Yes, that's a somewhat common issue. It's called the neutral safety & backup switch. Most times you can simply adjust it (it's located on top of the steering column back by the firewall). Otherwise you might need to replace it, and it looks like this (below). There's a simple process to adjust it. It makes a clicking/ratcheting sound when you move it side to side. It's been about a year since I last adjusted mine, and I'm about 95% certain this is how I did mine.

1. Put the truck in reverse (engine not running)
2. Reach up on top of steering column near firewall and locate switch
3. Pull the switch sideways toward drivers side (left) until it stops
4. Move gear shifter back to PARK position
5. It should now be set. Test it and repeat process if needed.

 

[PWagon]

Here's another view from top of the steering column (looking down at firewall)...

 

[diesel4me]

I ended up putting the reverse lights wires off the colum to a toggle switch on the dash on my trucks,after my steering colum/shifter got sloppy and I had to hold the shift lever in the "perfect" spot to get the back up lamps to stay lit,and adjusting the switch didn't help...

Years of plowing wears out the shifter mechanism and colum and it is hard enough trying to steer,manipulate the plow joystick,and not back into something...you need both hands !..I usually leave the back up lamps on till I'm done plowing...its also handy to get tailgaters to back off,by switching them on if they get too close..

 

[Blue90]

Russell, pwagon, diesel4me,
I had no idea that switch was down there. I adjusted it and the lights work perfect now.

Much appreciated guys!

 

[Fordum]

FWIW, Ford C6 transmissions are the ones with the switch on the side of the tranny. Replaced several over the years.

 

[diesel4me]

I think SM465 manual transmissions had the back up lamp switch screwed to the case (on some trucks at least)..

Almost all the later trucks with electronically controlled automatics have the back up light and neutral safety switch on the side of the trans,operated by the shifter shaft..(and I see many have to be replaced in about 10 years time)..