Arquest
Member
- Joined
- Oct 25, 2007
- Messages
- 13
- Transmission
- Automatic
I have no reverse lights on my '92 Ranger (5 speed M/Trans - Mazda). I have isolated the problem to the reverse light switch on the side of the trans. I have removed the switch and verified that it actually does work both by using a volt meter and also by activating the switch by pressing on the small ball on the back - the lights work when that is done...
Now for the question(s) - there is supposed to be a small metal rod behind the switch that pushes against the ball on the switch and closing the circuit when the truck is placed in reverse. I can see that this rod is missing altogether (by looking into the hole using a mirror and flashlight I can see that there is no rod)... I have no idea why this was removed but before I take the truck in for a DMV inspection I want to see if I can fix this problem...
So - anyone out there dealt with this before?
- Is this a simple case of extracting a similar rod out through the switch hole a junk yard trans using a magnet or something similar?
-Can it be installed in the reverse manner - by simply sliding a replacement rod in through the switch hole from the outside of the trans?
- Any guesses why someone may have removed it in the first place (other than the obvious "because the previous owner or mechanic was an idiot") - perhaps the reverse lights were stuck on and this was their solution? Maybe the rod fell into the trans?
- Brings up another question - if I slide a replacement rod in do you think it may cause other issues (binding/falling into trans).
Haven't found much info yet on this forum or out on the web about this situation (other than a pic showing a switch and the missing rod lying on a table)... Any help would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks in advance...
Now for the question(s) - there is supposed to be a small metal rod behind the switch that pushes against the ball on the switch and closing the circuit when the truck is placed in reverse. I can see that this rod is missing altogether (by looking into the hole using a mirror and flashlight I can see that there is no rod)... I have no idea why this was removed but before I take the truck in for a DMV inspection I want to see if I can fix this problem...
So - anyone out there dealt with this before?
- Is this a simple case of extracting a similar rod out through the switch hole a junk yard trans using a magnet or something similar?
-Can it be installed in the reverse manner - by simply sliding a replacement rod in through the switch hole from the outside of the trans?
- Any guesses why someone may have removed it in the first place (other than the obvious "because the previous owner or mechanic was an idiot") - perhaps the reverse lights were stuck on and this was their solution? Maybe the rod fell into the trans?
- Brings up another question - if I slide a replacement rod in do you think it may cause other issues (binding/falling into trans).
Haven't found much info yet on this forum or out on the web about this situation (other than a pic showing a switch and the missing rod lying on a table)... Any help would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks in advance...