Topic: Back Up Light Switch Location?
in Forum: C3 Electrical
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I was wondering were the Back Up Light Switch is located? Mine is an automatic. My Back Up Lights do not work and I know I need to check the bulbs first and then maybe change the switch. I know the Tranny was replaced before so is there anything under by the tranny I should check?
Aaron 
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Moses Lake, WA - USA
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Vette(s): 1976 L48 4-spd, Mahogany Metalic exterior, Buckskin interior 350ci/350hp, 3rd owner, fiberglass spring, 255/50-16's Torq-Thrust II
On the manual it is located on the left side of the trans. The wires run down along left side behind the valve cover. Its 2 wires bonded together from what I remember and runs down the tunnel. I know yours is an Auto but the wires might route the same
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Duncanville, TX - USA
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Vette(s): #1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/
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#2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto
Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas
The switch is located on the shifter housing itself. Not the easiest thing to get to...
You'll need to remove the shifter console. You may be able to access it by removing the top "plate", that the shifter sits under.
The switch will be mounted to the shifter assembly, I believe on the pass side.
Check all your fuses first, then the bulbs, then make sure the bulb housings have good grounds...then go to the NSS(neutral Safety Switch), which is also the reverse light switch on the automatic. The wiring diagram shows the Turn Signal fuse also powers the reverse lights, so if they work, the fuse is OK.
The reverse light wire is light green in color, at the switch. Once you verify the bulbs are good, and the grounds on the sockets are good, then you'll need to access the switch in the console. Find the light green wire, and check it for power(12v) with the key on, trans in reverse. If there is power there, but not at the bulb sockets in the rear, you have a break in the wire somewhere.
hth
Adams' Apple 2009-02-06 20:50:12
You'll need to remove the shifter console. You may be able to access it by removing the top "plate", that the shifter sits under.
The switch will be mounted to the shifter assembly, I believe on the pass side.
Check all your fuses first, then the bulbs, then make sure the bulb housings have good grounds...then go to the NSS(neutral Safety Switch), which is also the reverse light switch on the automatic. The wiring diagram shows the Turn Signal fuse also powers the reverse lights, so if they work, the fuse is OK.
The reverse light wire is light green in color, at the switch. Once you verify the bulbs are good, and the grounds on the sockets are good, then you'll need to access the switch in the console. Find the light green wire, and check it for power(12v) with the key on, trans in reverse. If there is power there, but not at the bulb sockets in the rear, you have a break in the wire somewhere.
hth
Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56 
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It could be routed the same, there is one kind of switch for manual and another for auto and the wires should all go the same way. When I have a chance I'll look under there, thanks!
Aaron
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Joel, I'll follow those steps, Thanks!
Aaron
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Lifetime MemberModerator
Duncanville, TX - USA
Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 20214
Vette(s): #1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/
Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight"
#2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto
Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas
I just "updated my post, with a link to a diagram of the switch...
I fergot I had one stored here...
I fergot I had one stored here...
Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56
My Link
(click for Texas-sized view!) NCRS
"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"
Joel, thanks for the diagram. It will help in the quest for back up lights.
Aaron
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Vette(s): 1981 Great White Shark. Red Interior, 350/190 hp. PS, PB (SS), A/C CC, T-Tops. Served three years in Active Duty Army, then Retired Air Force after 34 years! Badger State Vettes Car Club. 175,000 Original miles!! Now own a 1998 C-5!
I keep forgetting to turn off the light by the rear spare tire carrier. I turn the headlight switch know to check but then forget to turn it off. They (Chevrolet) shoulda had a buzzer or sumpin for that !!! 
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Oak Creek, WI - USA
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Vette(s): 1981 Great White Shark. Red Interior, 350/190 hp. PS, PB (SS), A/C CC, T-Tops. Served three years in Active Duty Army, then Retired Air Force after 34 years! Badger State Vettes Car Club. 175,000 Original miles!! Now own a 1998 C-5!
My backup switch is in the console. But then I have a 81 
in Forum: C3 Electrical
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