Okay..

Latest saga with the '86 F-150..

I noticed a few weeks ago, that putting the truck into reverse was not bringing the "backing.." lights on..

I hoped, maybe the previous owner had neglected to replace bulbs.. NOPE..

I cut the wire, spliced in a wire, and applied 12v.. Both lit..

SO.. Obviously (okay, likely) it's the "switch" that turns them on that isn't working..

It's the 3spd "overdrive" manual, and the 4.9 "big six"..

Anyone know where the "switch" is???

Is it something reasonably easy to change out, or should I get over that, and just tunnel a wire from my splice, up to the cab, and put a switch on it??

Any ideas would be appreciated.. I work nights, so it's DARK all the time when I drive.. I don't want to "munch" a small car, and not be able to take the enjoyment of seeing it..


I'd considered just wiring in a "fog" light prior to seeing the wiring between them was intact, but that seems like it wouldn't be appreciated, or even more helpful than making what's THERE work..

any ideas appreciated..

AJRN

 

this is an easy fix, if its the same tranny as mine. At the top of the tranny is a switch for the back up lights, just replace it and you should be in bussiness.

I'm on my second F-150 both have the 6I with 5 spd tranny. ran in to the same problem a time or two.

Desi

 

Good Thread. I'll have to take a look at that myself. Same truck Setup. For a while, I had no 4x4 LED or reverse lights. I came to find out I snagged both pairs of wired on a rock when four-wheeling. Tore clean through them; one pair to the transfer case and one pair to the trans. I re-wired them and recovered my 4x4 LED but not the reverse lights.

 

Can I do the same if my lights constantly stay on? I took the bulbs out cause they are on even when the truck is off.


Pete

 

the switch I described earlier is like a small ball and it can be stuck in either position (I would guess) and its an easy fix. The Ford dealer will charge you almost $100 bucks to "diagnose" the problem where as you could just go to the auto parts store and get the switch for about $10-13, replace the thing (about 5 minutes of your free time) and eliminate that option cheap.... Have one on me.....

 

I drive a 96 F-150XL with the 300 6I and 5 speed on the floor....great truck.

 

Thanks for the input..

Looks like I'm off to Autozone..

AJRN

 

I had that same problem with my '87 with the big 4.9 6 cyl. It turned out to be the neutral safety switch. -- don't know if that is the same thing Desi is talking about.

- Vince

 

So I noted, when I went to Autozone to order the backup switch, it came with a neutral safety switch.

$21 will get ya both, they're ordering them..

Thanks All..

I'll let ya know when I've seen the light!


AJRN

 

I picked up the switch from Autozone..

Hmm.. Only one switch in the bag.. On a bracket, that it looks like it could be detached from..

I'm hoping to take the switch out of the transmission, when I take the front tank down (another thread) next week.

I HOPE that it fits.. I'm going to check the continuity of the clutch switch, before I remove EITHER..

Does anyone know, from a wiring standpoint, "how" those switches are connected??? Is it they're the "same switch" (part number) or are they in some sort of a common circuit??

I'm guessing that since the clutch switch ONLY has 12v when the switch is on, that they BOTH use the same POWER source.. If they were connected more than that, I'd be surprised... It doesn't seem likely, does it?

AJ RN