Reverse lights on Automatic not working

[aludden]

My reverse lights are not working. Is the reverse light system different for automatics?
I did a bunch of searches but it seems they only apply to manual transmission, since I can't find the backup switch in the parts manuals or DMC...

[Ryan King]

I had this same issue with my automatic..I think it ended up having to do with the Transmission Governor.

[Elvis]

Check fuse 16 and the bulbs !

The switch for the reverse light and for the start inhibit is a double switch
that goes into the tranny.
Those switches are very reliable and can't be swapped easily. You need a new
harness with both swithes if one of the is really bad. But I doubt.

It has nothing to do with the governor. The only common thing they have is
black wires, being attached to the tranny and to the black connector on the left
side of the fire wall.

Also check if those connectors are pushed in all the way, the same for the red
connector in the box on the right side - pull it first to check if all the pins are
fully seated and clean.

Helpful are a multimeter, schematic and Dave Delman's bulkhead connector diagram.

[aludden]

Check fuse 16 and the bulbs !

The switch for the reverse light and for the start inhibit is a double switch
that goes into the tranny.
[...]


Ah! My start inhibit switch was bypassed by the PO, so that doesn't bode well.
Fuse is good, bulbs are good, connectors are good but I will check them again.

From the manuals, it looks like it is all one assembly with the governor? Major job ahead?

[Ron]

You can get the pinouts for the "L" shaped block here:
http://dmctalk.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=953&d=1307760396


Bulkhead Connectors (check red and black!):
http://dmctalk.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=2560&d=1310439341


Quick Cut&Paste:
7757

[aludden]

You can get the pinouts for the "L" shaped block here:
[...]


Thanks! I was looking at David Delman's document, but I didn't have the other two.
One more thing to do when it gets a little warmer in the garage!

[David T]

All of Elvis's advice is great and follow it but another possibility to check is the wires going to the transmission. If they got burned it could take out the start inhibit function and the reverse lights. Cut all of the strap ties and examine every inch of the wires for any signs of heat damage. If you don't feel comfortable repairing the harness you can always get it fixed or replaced.
David Teitelbaum

[aludden]

Thank you all for your input! I will check all that next time I jack up the car.

[aludden]

Yeah!! I got lucky! It was only one of the pins on the red plug that was pushed in!

Now I need to see why the start inhibit has been bypassed...

Thanks for your help!
Alex
:yesss: