I just discovered my reverse lights quit. The bulbs test ok. What and or where should I check? Any tips would be greatly appreciated.

Rick 88

Depend what kind of tranny you have check the connection for the reverse light switch.

If it's a Muncie it could be the switch in the console...that switch is notorious for going bad as it's not very well made.

quote Originally posted by jscott1: If it's a Muncie it could be the switch in the console...that switch is notorious for going bad as it's not very well made.

It's a 5-speed. Is the switch near the shifter? Where can I purchase a replacement? My car is an 88 V6.

[This message has been edited by Rick 88 (edited 07-10-2008).]

That would be a getrag and the switch is on the transmission. They are not known for going bad, so I would suspect something else.

quote Originally posted by jscott1: That would be a getrag and the switch is on the transmission. They are not known for going bad, so I would suspect something else.

Ok, so how about a fuse? The reverse lights just quit from one day to the next. Where on the transmission is the switch located? I can check the connection.

ok, that's not true. the switches go bad. quick test, locate the connector going to the switch which is located inconveniently under the lthe shift arms. the connector is a 2 pin that looks almost the same as the speed sender, but runs up to the top of the tranny.
unplug the connector. turn the ignition on, don;t start it. take a paperclip and short the 2 pins on the harness side. if the lights light, the switch is bad. if they don;t light, then start checking for a wiring/fuse issue. the switch is available at parts stores, I think mine cost around 20$.
here's the diagram:

[This message has been edited by tjm4fun (edited 07-10-2008).]

Thanks tjm and jscott!! I don't get to the Forum as much as I'd like to. I really appreciate how everybody here is devoted to keeping these cars going. I really enjoy driving mine!

quote Originally posted by tjm4fun: ok, that's not true. the switches go bad.

Okay, I'll accept that the Getrag switches go bad, but the muncie one in the console is a piece of junk that barely works when you buy a brand new one.

Since my car is a daily driver, and 20 years old, I am not complaining. Actually it has been pretty reliable over the years. I'll check the switch and connections this weekend. Thanks again guys!

quote Originally posted by jscott1: Okay, I'll accept that the Getrag switches go bad, but the muncie one in the console is a piece of junk that barely works when you buy a brand new one.

Whole-heartedly agree! Replace it with a micor switch with a lever arm attachement. just need to fab a small bracket for the mount.

For this, search the archives for getrag switch, after you get thru all the posts about you can;t get one, there is one that mentions a later year car to ask for. been a couple years so I don;t recall what it is anymore.

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the connector does not come off the switch, it has a pigtail going to the harness, which is where you disconnected it.
with that unplugged, the switch assembly unscrews from the tranny, I think it was a 19 mm open end.