Does anyone have a picture of how the switch is installed? I read somewhere that the switch is on the shifter in the center console... My reverse lights do not work so while I was in the shifter area changing cables I looked for hte switch to no avail. Mine seems to be missing.

The car is an 86 GT wiht the four speed manual.

Thanks

i drive an '84 w/ 4 speed, i think it's the same. the reverse switch is on the shifter. the backup lights only come on when i hold the shifter all the way to the left. you might want to see if yours does that, it seems to be a common unresolved problem.

quote Originally posted by lurker: i drive an '84 w/ 4 speed, i think it's the same. the reverse switch is on the shifter. the backup lights only come on when i hold the shifter all the way to the left. you might want to see if yours does that, it seems to be a common unresolved problem.

Mine too Lurker!! If I let go of it, it's still in reverse, and keeps moving ok, but the B/U lights go off.
I figured it was just a case of removing the surround and adjusting the switch, much like adjusting the switch on the clutch pedal. Not so?

There should be a small screw in the end of the switch plunger to make adjustments...

Thanks RWF.. that is what I was looking for. Mine is missing. the connector is there, nbut no switch... hmmm. Now the search begins.

Cheers!

quote Originally posted by maryjane: Mine too Lurker!! If I let go of it, it's still in reverse, and keeps moving ok, but the B/U lights go off. I figured it was just a case of removing the surround and adjusting the switch, much like adjusting the switch on the clutch pedal. Not so?

i think it's an issue with the shifter. the switch adjustlment will make the light go on earlier or later, but wont stop the shifter from springing back to the right. ive already got the boot off (making a new boot)maybe i'll go out and look at it and see if i can figure something out.

I agree Lurker. I think there are adjustments possible in the shifter itself, bu I also think if I make those adjustments necessary to illuminate the BU light, that the tranny will no longer shift right. Due to stretched cable or worn plastic at the tranny end.

What they said, you need to adjust the switch at the shifter. It was a PITA for me because I couldn't find a way to get to the screw without pulling apart the whole center console. I eventually managed to get the switch moved enough that the BU lights stay off without holding the shifter over.

wow i thought it was just my car but it sounds like they all do it, i just wired mine to a switch in the ash tray, right by my hand to turn on when i need to back up, i just took the two green and put them on one post and the other one, on the other

also very handy for stupid ppl with their brights on or tail-gaters, lol

Travis

based on info from Maryjane, i fixed mine. there is a screw on the front of the switch plunger which can be adjusted out. mine now works great, 20 minute free fix.remove shifter surround, pull clip, adjust screw, replace. i should have some pics later in the week. thanks, MJ!

There is also a small 10mm bolt that controls the reverse detent on the shifter located near the front of the shifter assembley. This is what determines where the reverse lockout spring begins and its adjustment can help to keep the shifter all the way to the left while in reverse on the 4spds.

Although this bolt is hard to reach, just a small movement can help emensley with the common 4spd reverse gate problem. This adjustment procedure isn't even outlined in the manuals, but in combonation with the switch adjustment it helps solve the problem. basically before I adjust my cables I make sure to adjust this 10mm bolt (left or right in small increments) until the shifter stays in the reverse gate and doesn't pop out, I then proceed with the normal shifter cable adjustment proceedure outlined in the manual, finally I adjust the reverse switch. (in case you don't know the bolt i speak of I'll get a picture of it tomorrow when i meet up with my fiero in storage)

[This message has been edited by The Aura (edited 02-15-2005).]

well here it is, that bolty thing

[This message has been edited by hellfish87gt (edited 02-15-2005).]

Well that was helpful hellfish. Did you have to place the image right over the part in question?

look at the pink dots around that round thing in the drawing. Thats the bolt i'm talking about.

(err and i appologise on behalf of helfish for that extra picture included there...shakes head)

I'll start a seperate thread on this subject once I get back to my PC, this is a common problem that isn't covered in the GM service guides or haynes manual... yet i bet its an adjustment that everyone could benefit from tremendously.

[This message has been edited by The Aura (edited 02-15-2005).]