help me get my reverse lights to work

[Lawbreaker5.0]

so my reverse lights haven't worked in awhile. From what i can remember, they stopped working when i had a transmission put in. (way before i knew anything about cars)


What i've know/tried.

-so the bulbs aren't burned out.
-no power to either bulb
-put in reverse and check continuity between post/yes
-i get power to the switch (can't remember color)

i need help with any diagrams or procedures.

thanks

 

[HISSIN50]

So you have power to the switch and continuity from one pole to the other. Does power leave the switch while reverse is engaged?
If so, check the wiring at a given reverse light. You might have a cut wire between the switch and back of the car.

 

[Lawbreaker5.0]

So you have power to the switch and continuity from one pole to the other. Does power leave the switch while reverse is engaged?
If so, check the wiring at a given reverse light. You might have a cut wire between the switch and back of the car.

How exactly do i check if power leaves the switch?

Which pole do i check? or which wire to i probe?

i wish i knew the actual way the current runs in through the switch and and out to the lights/

i thought jricher has wiring diagrams for everything.

 

[Mustang5L5]

Unplug the plug from the switch on the trans and jump it. Reverse lights should come on.

 

[HISSIN50]

How exactly do i check if power leaves the switch?

Which pole do i check? or which wire to i probe?

i wish i knew the actual way the current runs in through the switch and and out to the lights/

i thought jricher has wiring diagrams for everything.

You said you checked power into the switch and continuity across the switch, so you've seen the switch. There are only two wires.

With the key on, engine OFF, Emergency brake ON, car in reverse, check for power at both wires. If you have it, the issue is between the switch and the lights. Power goes straight from the switch to your lights.

If you don't have power at either wire, the source for powering the circuit is where I'd look. Make sure fuse 5 is ok.

 

[jrichker]

How exactly do i check if power leaves the switch?

Which pole do i check? or which wire to i probe?

i wish i knew the actual way the current runs in through the switch and and out to the lights/

i thought jricher has wiring diagrams for everything.

Almost everything...

Don’t assume that both bulbs can’t be burned. Out. Check both of them

Then check the fuse...

Diagram courtesy of Tmoss & Stang&2birds

Then check the backup switch...

The Tremec 3550 puts the switch in the same location as the T5.

The backup switch wiring connector has 2 contacts that push on the 2 studs that stick out of the top of the switch.

The power side of the connector will be 12 volts anytime the ignition switch is in the Run position. No 12 volts and you have problems with a fuse or the wiring

The lights side will be 12 volts when the ignition switch is in the Run position and the transmission is in reverse. No 12 volts on the lights side and the switch is bad

See the following website for some help from Tmoss (diagram designer) & Stang&2Birds (website host) for help on 88-95 wiring Mustang FAQ - Engine Information Everyone should bookmark this site.

Ignition switch wiring
http://www.veryuseful.com/mustang/tech/engine/images/IgnitionSwitchWiring.gif

Fuel, alternator, A/C and ignition wiring
http://www.veryuseful.com/mustang/tech/engine/images/fuel-alt-links-ign-ac.gif

Complete computer, actuator & sensor wiring diagram for 88-91 Mass Air Mustangs
http://www.veryuseful.com/mustang/tech/engine/images/88-91_5.0_EEC_Wiring_Diagram.gif

Vacuum diagram 89-93 Mustangs
http://www.veryuseful.com/mustang/tech/engine/images/mustangFoxFordVacuumDiagram.jpg

HVAC vacuum diagram
http://www.veryuseful.com/mustang/tech/engine/images/Mustang_AC_heat_vacuum_controls.gif

TFI module differences & pinout
http://www.veryuseful.com/mustang/tech/engine/images/TFI_5.0_comparison.gif

Fuse box layout
http://www.veryuseful.com/mustang/tech/engine/images/MustangFuseBox.gif

 

[Lawbreaker5.0]

thanks guys, i'll look at my car tommorrow.

 

[Lawbreaker5.0]

just wanted to let the guys who help me know that i got the reverse lights working tonight. The power wire came loose from the connector. i had to pull the wire out and soder it back and i worked like a charm. thanks guys