Backlights turn on without putting reverse .

[kapa8]

Guys I have a problem with my backup lights. When I open the ignition to start my 911 1987 3.2, the backup lights stay on without the gearbox being reversed. Can someone help me by telling me what it could be. I will appreciate your comments.

Thanks

[john walker's workshop]

Usually the two wires at the switch are contacting each other.

[Walt Fricke]

You might unscrew the switch from the front upper right side of the transmission, and see if it is somehow stuck on. When you select reverse, a part inside that area of the transmission pushes a separate short thin rod into the switch, closing it. If that rod were to be stuck in the switch, that would create this issue. After you remove the switch, you can pull the rod out also, and see if anything is sticking.

The wire (green/yellow) which brings power to the switch, as well as the gray/brown wire which takes the power from the switch to the back up light bulbs, both pass through the 14 pin connector (if the '87 is like its predecessors) in the engine bay. If they were "shorted" together in the connector (unlikely), or on their passage from the transmission over the engine to the connector (perhaps a bit more likely), that could cause this.