back up light switch

[durtkillon]

My back up light switch is not closing when I put the car in reverse. I removed the switch, stuck a nail in the actuator and could get the switch to close. I shorted the wires together at the switch and the reverse lights came on (so I know there is no wiring problem).

My question is this: Is there a way to determine if the pin inside the transmission is worn/broken or if the switch is worn? What do I do if the pin in the transmission is bad? I could replace the switch to rule it out, but that's a $60 experiment. Any suggestions?

[Dave at Pelican Parts]

If you poked a nail in the switch and it closed, then the switch is OK. The likely problem is that the pin in the transmission has worn. I don't recall if those are available separately, but I know that some people have made replacements out of ... drill bits. Cut or break them off to the appropriate length, smooth down the flutes so you don't cut things with them, and stick the dull end into the transmission, I guess.

Sounds crazy, particularly if the actual part is still available. I might consider making one out of welding rod instead of a drill bit, but if it needs to be hardened steel....

--DD

[philinjax]

That's what I do. The pin pulls right out of the tranny and is re-inserted by simply pushing it back in. Match up the pin diameter with a drill bit at the hardware.

Phil

[ruddyboys]

If you take off the sensor, will you lose trans fluid?

[philinjax]

Pat,

Yes, you will loose fluid. Jack up the rear end of the car and most, maybe all, of the fluid may drain forward.

Phil