Reverse lights are out

[lheindrich]

On my 75 The reverse lights do not come on when I put the car in reverse. I have an electrical diagram for the car but I have'nt done any electrical trouble shooting before so I am looking for some input before I start. The break lights and the turn signals function properly. There is a light green and a black wire on the diagram the lt green runs back to what looks like the fuse panel and a24A fuse, I am assuming the black wire is the ground but it also goes to a symbol that is a circle on the diagram marked with the#150 for the black and #130 for a tan wire that runs back to the fuse panel to a 30A fuse. Is this circle on the diagram the reverse switch? So does the switch have it's own fuse, and the bulbs have their own fuse I am a little confused. I guess I should first check for bad fuses, then for bad bulbs, then for loose wires, and last but not least a bad switch since this is the most expensive part. Any help would be greatly appreciated because I know the trouble shooting process is half the battle. Thanks, Lloyd.

 

[Mr. Chuck]

On my 75 The reverse lights do not come on when I put the car in reverse. I have an electrical diagram for the car but I have'nt done any electrical trouble shooting before so I am looking for some input before I start. The break lights and the turn signals function properly. There is a light green and a black wire on the diagram the lt green runs back to what looks like the fuse panel and a24A fuse, I am assuming the black wire is the ground but it also goes to a symbol that is a circle on the diagram marked with the#150 for the black and #130 for a tan wire that runs back to the fuse panel to a 30A fuse. Is this circle on the diagram the reverse switch? So does the switch have it's own fuse, and the bulbs have their own fuse I am a little confused. I guess I should first check for bad fuses, then for bad bulbs, then for loose wires, and last but not least a bad switch since this is the most expensive part. Any help would be greatly appreciated because I know the trouble shooting process is half the battle. Thanks, Lloyd.

On my 81 the Directional signal / Back Up fuse powers both. If your turn signals work, then the fuse is good. The Black wire (#150) is the ground side of the circuit and goes to ground on the "Mounted in Side of Left Corner Frame Member". I would start by removing the ground at the frame member and insuring both the terminal and frame connection points are free of rust and shining metal. Also check all wiring is in good condition, no cuts, pinched wires, tight crimps at wire / terminal interfaces, etc. Lamps that are clear, not over heated (dark glass), filiments are intack, remove bulbs, check bulb bases & glass are tight, bulb center contact isn't flaten out / dished / worn away, small solder point at side of base edge by glass bulb (connects one side of bulb filiment to base).
Use Ohm meter to make preliminary checks of bulb filiments, check for continuity (zero ohms) from socket center contact to frame ground.

 

[Eddie 70]

Here is what the reverse light switch looks like on a 4 speed car. Mine is a 70 so it has a muncie trans. I do not know if this switch is the same on later cars. You can see some of the adjustments that can be made. The switch will rotate in its mounting bracket and can be set fairly easy. If I were adjusting the switch, I would probably have a helper watch the lights for me so I know I am getting close. Get the car in the air. Put the car in reverse, loosen the mounts for the switch, rotate the switch until the back up lights come on, then tighten the switch in place. Now, take the car out of reverse, shift the gears a couple of times, be sure to hit reverse a few times and ensure the lights come on each time you hit reverse.

 

[TimAT]

Automatic cars, the reverse light switch is the same one as the park/neutral safety switch. Just another set of contacts and some wires. If you pull the right side of the console you can see it and get in with a testlight.