Reverse Lights not working

[ussnipe23]

I need help. I have a 2000 Ford Ranger 2WD with Automatic Transmission. I have no reverse lights. I have checked the fuse and have power at the fuse. however no power at the rear of the vehicle. I have checked wiring diagram and wiring running back to the rear and have found nothing out of the ordinary. I read something online that the overdrive wire on the shift knob might be shorted on the column (fixed that issue) still no power. Checked the switch that is on the transmission and jumped the switch and had lights. Replaced the switch with new one and the lights still don't work. I'm at a loss for words because if I jump that switch I have lights but once I connect it goes away. I need help.

 

[Curious Hound]

If jumping the switch at the transmission makes the lights work, then that switch is the problem. Either bad switch (could have gotten a bad one from parts store) or switch is out of adjustment or whatever triggers the switch in the transmission is broken, missing, worn, etc.

 

[ussnipe23]

That's what I'm trying to figure out. I haven't found anything that says there is something inside the trans that tells it that it's going in reverse. I will have to ohm the switch to see if the new one is bad. Adjustment is good because if it's not right the truck will not start if out of Adjustment. Truck starts. Any other ideas.

 

[Curious Hound]

Keep in mind that the neutral safety switch (for starting) is not the same as the reverse switch. Of course, if you're in reverse, you're not in neutral.

 

[ussnipe23]

I know it's going into reverse. The truck wants to go backwards. The switch that goes on the transmission controls several different things. Is there something inside the trans that relays to the switch? Because as far as putting new switch on it just goes on a rod that hooks to an actuator that goes to the shifter.

 

[Uncle Gump]

I think Eric may be describing a manual transmission. There is no separate back up lamp switch on an automatic transmission.

I don't have schematics for a 2000... but the backup lamp switch is part of the NSS/Range switch on an automatic transmission.

If you can jump that switch and backup lamps work... it indicates the switch is bad or improperly adjusted.

You could disconnect the range switch connector and check the switch for continuity when the transmission is placed in reverse.

 

[ussnipe23]

Very true. I replaced that and installed new one how it showed. But will check that when I get home. Thank you. Will let you know what I find.

 

[tinman_72]

Cut the ground wires for the bulbs at the back of the truck. Clean a spot on the frame and bolt the wire from the bulb to the frame. I have seen this fix so many taillights and reverse lights over the years on older vehicles.

 

[ussnipe23]

Ok. So there might be a bad ground. I can check that. Thank you.

 

[Uncle Gump]

If the tail and stop lights... hell even the backup lights when jumped work... the chance of it being a bad ground is pretty slim. Those lights share a single ground.

But anything is possible I suppose.

 

[ussnipe23]

All lights work except the reverse lights. Only problem I'm having. That's why I'm stumped.

 

[Curious Hound]

Doesn't really sound like the typical dirty/loose ground issue.

 

[ussnipe23]

I know. And the NSS/Range switch is not out of alignment. It can only go on one way and if done wrong the truck won't start. I really don't know what else to do. It is raining now so I can't go check continuity of the switch.

 

[ussnipe23]

So I still have no reverse lights. Have tried it all now. I really don't know what I'm missing here.