I just lost my reverse lights! Where should I start looking?

[JoeVR5]

Hi all,

I have a 1997 Ford Ranger Splash--4.0L V6, 2wd, ext cab.

I have had this truck for the past 10 years and I have been very careful and picky about its maintenance.

I went to back into my driveway at night and realized that my reverse lights were not coming on. Where should I start looking to address this problem?

This same thing happened about a year ago, and it eventually cleared itself up (I love it when your truck fixes itself), but now the problem seems to be back to stay. I used to be able to pull the shifter in and out of reverse a few times, and then the lights would come on, but now they're just not happening at all.

If anyone can give me any help or advice on how to approach this, I would be so grateful.

Thanks!

 

[UrbanRedneckKid]

First check or replace both bulbs.
Then with the key on engine off put it in reverse(e-brake on, Duh)
Check with a voltmeter or test light and see if you have power at the light sockets.
If you do, test the ohms in the ground wire.
If you don't, go back along the wire to the next plug, and check there...

 

[5speedin2.3]

Sounds like the reverse switch on the trans. Check the fuse first.
I doubt both bulbs are burned out but its worth checking.

 

[fastpakr]

You can pop the switch off at the trans and jumper the pins to see if the lights come on. If so, the switch is the source of the problem.

 

[UrbanRedneckKid]

Sounds like the reverse switch on the trans. Check the fuse first.
I doubt both bulbs are burned out but its worth checking.

No, but if one bulb is shorted, and there is just enough corrosion on the ground to create enough load to keep the fuse from blowing...

Just ask how I know of that...

 

[JoeVR5]

Thanks guys for all your help!

My guess is that it is the switch on the transmission. I am guessing this because a few months ago when I had this problem, I could jiggle the shifter in reverse or pull it tighter, and sometimes the reverse lights would come on. Now, no matter what I do, they just won't light up.

Where can I find this reverse switch on the tranny, and how should I go about testing it? Is it a part that I can buy at Autozone, or is it one of those dreaded "dealer-only" parts?

Thanks for all the help, hopefully I can get this resolved before the end of the month when my inspection expires!

 

[fastpakr]

Not sure on the '97, but it was $10 or $15 on my 94 and you can get it at the chain auto stores. It's a two wire connector on the drivers side of the trans body.

 

[Ranger#1]

auto or manual if its a auto its gonna be around 70

 

[AllanD]

On the 5sp trans the reverse light switch is screwed into the side of the top cover of the trans at the drivers side rear corner of the top cover.

It's reasonably accessable from underneath on a 2wd the driveshaft
and T-case shifter kinda get in the way on a 4x4, but such is life

AD

 

[Dangerranger9358]

I am having this same problem in a 93 ranger. I have already replaced the reverse switch which did not resolve the problem, any suggestions on what to check next?

 

[svtcards]

I'm trying to get my back up lights to work after my v8 swap with a t5.im using the oem plug that came with mustang and I tried to connect those 2 wires to the oem ranger back up lights wires on oem harness connector.nothing!I thought I saw in diagram that back up lights r somehow connected to neutral safety?could that be?I jumped mine to start without it.not sure if I have to somehow get neutral safety back connected and go from there?