Could bad backup (light) switch feel like a bad syncro?

[froggy47]

For some time I've had trouble going into reverse - all the fwd gears seem ok. I thought the previous owner may have damaged the reverse syncro (there is one on a 96). 50k miles. Tran oil chgd.

Then I got to thinking - it has to be kinda hard to damage reverse - doesn't it?

Today my backup & back "cornering" lights won't come on. Fuse is fine. Could it be there is some mechanical backup switch on the tranny that failed? If it was on the way out - could that be the problem I had getting into reverse?

Thanks!

 

[ediconu]

I have slight difficulty getting into reverse sometimes... it feels in, then i go and i hear the worst noise EVER..... and my backup lights haven't been on since I got the car.

Would there be a switch that would block it from going into gear? How easy would it be to find / fix this switch? Wouldn't it be inside the transmission?

-Mike

 

[froggy47]

Does anyone have this symptom (hard getting in rev) and no backup lights & the replacement of the backup light sw. fixed the hard into rev problem?

or

do I still end up w/ a tranny that needs fixin?

 

[froggy47]

ttt

 

[1993 Cobra]

tranny

I just got a 90 vette with a 6-speed and today I was unable to get it into reverse. I hope my tranny isnt bad. Has been shifting thru all gears just fine untill now. I hold the ring on the shift lever and it just will not engage. Does this sound like the same problem you guys are having?

 

[froggy47]

It's hard to say, my 96 does not have the "ring to pull" lockout for reverse. I just have to slam it (sometimes) to the right & back. Spring loaded reverse lockout. Of course as I do that I'm also hitting some kind of reverse/backup light switch that's half in/half outside of the tranny.

I'm going to let my "trusty" dealer fix it - got extended warr. I will post the result.

It's supposed to be pretty ugly getting to the backup light switch, your's might even be an easier fix.

 

[ediconu]

Please do post as soon as your dealer tells you what he did. I was looking through the shop manual and they have the complex circuit diagrams, but i didn't see anything about the switch or it's location, and I don't want to remove a thousand parts to make reverse lights work.

When you post what he did, can you include a rough figure of what you had to pay to get it done. I may end up going somewhere, but I'd like to be prepared.

Thanks!
Mike

 

[96corvetteLT4]

I do not have the same symtoms going into reverse, but I did have to replace my backup switch. My reverse lights did not work and after checking the bulbs, etc. I replaced the switch. From what I remember, I don't see how the switch could be causing your problems. It is a simple plunger style switch that is rounded on the end. It is difficult to get to for replacement, but can be done. It is located on the drivers side of the tranny, up high toward the front. Once you get it broken loose, you can spin it out by hand. Just take your time.

 

[ediconu]

Do the LT4s have the same manual transmission as the LT1s?

 

[Tuna]

Do the LT4s have the same manual transmission as the LT1s?

Yes. The ZF 6-speed is the same for LT1 and LT4 applications (realize that in 96, the LT1 was not offered with the 6-speed but the 6-speed for 94-95 is the same as the 96 in the LT4).

BTW, the ZF 6 was also the tranny behind the LT5.

 

[ediconu]

excellent, thanks for the extra info!