Back up lights

[Plum Ranger XLT]

I don't know if this is the right section to put this in. I have been having an issue with my reverse lights not coming on and when they do, it is once in a while. I checked the fuse and it's good and put new bulbs in and still having an issue. So I am thinking it's the back up switch as culprit. I was wondering where the back up switch is located and how hard is it to replace? 2008 Ranger 2.3L 5 speed manual transmission is the vehicle info.

 

[lil_Blue_Ford]

Sounds like the switch for sure. But I’m gonna say be aware that aftermarket replacements might be junk. My F-150 had no backup lights, fuse was blown, found a short in the circuit (for some strange reason in that the oxygen sensor heater circuit is also part of the backup circuit? Those wires had rubbed on something, easy fix), and still nothing. Tested the switch and it was bad. Swapped it out and the new one worked a couple months and now it’s not. I’m suspecting the switch again because it’s flakey but I haven’t dug into it.

Now, as for finding the switch, I’m not exactly sure where it is on yours, mine was up by the shift rail on the F-150, but it’s pretty easy to locate, it’s the only wires going to the manual transmission, lol.

 

[sgtsandman]

I could be the switch but verify that before you spend money. If you have power to the switch and after the switch when it's engaged, then you have a wire problem you will need to chase. I want to say the switch is on the driver's side of the transmission, about half way back from the bell housing but it's been a while since I've messed with the transmission.

 

[Plum Ranger XLT]

An update about this is that it was the back up switch was bad and now I have my back up lights.

 

[Tally99]

I'm chasing down a similar problem on my 2000; backup light fuse is fine for a while when I replace it, but then it blows after driving. I checked the tail light harness, since my trailer connection had some worn out insulation, so I figured it could be some chafed wires (it wasn't). My next hunch is the transmission range switch/neutral safety switch (whatever you wanna call it, it controls the reverse lights), so I've got a motorcraft part coming this week.

Fingers crossed.