Reverse light switch

[1G9S9T7]

I had reverse lights not working recently and when I unplugged the switch on the trans and used a wire to jump the plug, they came on so I concluded the plug was bad. I took a plug out of a GSX trans from a 95 and plugged it into the harness. The lights came on and when I pushed the ball in, they went off so I figured problem solved. I used the washer off of the trans from my car (a 97 fwd). When I put the car in reverse, the lights come on for a moment then go off. After that, it takes a couple times putting it in reverse to get them to come back on then when they do, same thing, stay on for a moment and then go off. Does anybody know what's up here? Maybe my plug isn't tight enough in the trans or something? Has anyone had this issue before?

 

[luv2rallye]

Try a different thickness washer - it matters. I don't know the magic thickness however - if you find it post it here for others.

 

[Clever Gs-t]

You can install the switch without any washer and verify continuity with the trans in reverse. Key on engine off!!! Unscrew switch until you loose continuity and verify thickness needed for the proper shim washer with a set of feeler gauges. Modify or shave your old washer and reinstall. Good luck

Sorry: the only reason to have the key on engine off while checking the switch is if you don't have a multimeter to check continuity and have someone watching the light to go off for you. If you have the multimeter then the key can be in your pocket. Just has to be in reverse gear.

 

[1G9S9T7]

I am gonna try the washer off the awd trans first. Perhaps since I have a 97 fwd and a 95 awd switch, maybe the washer off the awd one is a different thickness. They looked pretty close in size. I will try that. If the washer thing fails, I will get a feeler gauge and do that.

 

[1G9S9T7]

Sorry for bumping this but I figured it out and wanted to post my results. The switch was actually in the transmission too tight. So overtightening it can cause the reverse lights to malfunction. I screwed it in by hand until it was all the way in and snug, then I gave it a good 45 degree turn with a ratchet. They work just fine now. Thanks for those who assisted me