Backup lights not working

[CarlF250]

My backup lights are not working. Everything else electrically works on my 66. I replaced every wiring harness on the car with the exception of the neutral safety switch, which also includes the backup light switch. The starter will crank in park, so I know that the neutral safety switch portion is working properly.

However, when I hook up a continuity tester (ohm meter) between the wire going to the switch and the wire returning from the switch and put the car in reverse, I don't have continuity. Since I don't have continuity, is it safe to assume that the switch is the problem?

Thank You,
Carl

 

[TOM B]

Probably, but I would go get a 12 volt test light and check for power in and out of switch or just turn your VOM to dc volts. I like the light because its more visual and you dont have to look at it all the time.

 

[CarlF250]

Actually, I already did that. I should have mentioned it. I turned the key to ON, checked for power going into the switch, which there was. Then put the transmission in reverse (closed the circuit) and checked for power coming out of the switch. There was no power.

As far as I can see by the wiring diagrams that I have, it is a fairly simple circuit. I just don't know for sure if something else is happening down in the switch with the other 2 wires (red w/blue stripe) that lead into it.

 

[TOM B]

Time for a new one then.

 

[DJCarbine]

Mine doesn't work either, time for a new switch.


You could just open the window and yell BEEEEP BEEEEP BEEEEP when backing up

 

[chepsk8]

You could just open the window and yell BEEEEP BEEEEP BEEEEP when backing up

Don't forget a flashlight in the back window!

Neutral Safety Sw. They go all the time. Easy test - find the four pin plug & jump the NSS. If all else is fine, BU lights should light up.

 

[CarlF250]

Thank you chepsk8, I did this. I bypassed the neutral safety switch and the backup lights turned on. I guess this confirms that the switch is bad.