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Backup lights not working


Jschatmeier

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Location
Camarillo California
Vehicle Year
1986
Make / Model
Ford Ranger XL
Transmission
Manual
Hey guys I have a 2.9 liter 1986 4x4 5 speed manual xl ranger, runs great but one minor problem I cannot seem to fix, my backup lights. The connector was bad and I replaced it, when I test the connector my lights turn on, so I know the wiring is good. but when I screw it in to its little port on the side of my transmission they never turn on when I back up, any suggestions as to what could be wrong ?
 


superj

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corpus christi, texas
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2004
Make / Model
ranger edge
Engine Type
3.0 V6
Engine Size
3 liters of tire smoking power
Transmission
Manual
2WD / 4WD
2WD
Total Lift
none
Total Drop
none
Tire Size
235s
My credo
Grew up in the 70s, 80s, and 90s
can you look into the hole and have someone move the shifter into position? there is probably some little metal piece that should move and hit the sensor that is not in place or worn
 

Uncle Gump

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Ranger/BroncoII
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4.0L SOHC/2.9L
2WD / 4WD
4WD
My credo
Lead follow or get out of my way
Did you try testing the switch?
 

Jschatmeier

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Messages
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Location
Camarillo California
Vehicle Year
1986
Make / Model
Ford Ranger XL
Transmission
Manual
can you look into the hole and have someone move the shifter into position? there is probably some little metal piece that should move and hit the sensor that is not in place or worn
I’m going to have my dad move the shifter tonight, we’ll see, thank you for the help!
 

gw33gp

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Location
Costa Mesa, CA
Vehicle Year
2002
Make / Model
Ford
Engine Type
4.0 V6
Engine Size
4.0 SOHC
Transmission
Manual
2WD / 4WD
4WD
Tire Size
33"
The switch that screws into the transmission is prone to failure. I have replaced mine at least three times.

I also had a remanufactured transmission that I could not get the backup light to work with. It turned out that they did not include the rod inside that pushes against the backup light switch to activate it.
 

Jschatmeier

New Member
Joined
Mar 9, 2022
Messages
6
Reaction score
12
Points
3
Location
Camarillo California
Vehicle Year
1986
Make / Model
Ford Ranger XL
Transmission
Manual
Hey guys I have a 2.9 liter 1986 4x4 5 speed manual xl ranger, runs great but one minor problem I cannot seem to fix, my backup lights. The connector was bad and I replaced it, when I test the connector my lights turn on, so I know the wiring is good. but when I screw it in to its little port on the side of my transmission they never turn on when I back up, any suggestions as to what could be wrong ?
I checked everything was fine, I just screwed it in a little tighter and it seems to working fine, thanks guys!
 

Uncle Gump

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13,963
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Points
113
Location
Ottawa IL
Vehicle Year
2006/1986
Make / Model
Ranger/BroncoII
Engine Size
4.0L SOHC/2.9L
2WD / 4WD
4WD
My credo
Lead follow or get out of my way
That would set me off.
 

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