Reversing Lamp Switch

[sanramonrover]

The reversing lamp switch on my '91 KB does not work. I replaced it with one from aTrooper, and took another one out of another North American pickup at a local wreckers. The switches all look the same and work the same.

When I replace the switch, it seems not to go far enough into the transmission case to be activated by something inside. On mine, I can insert a screwdriver about 2 inches (5cm) before it hits the reversing actuator. On vehicles in wrecking yards, I can only push it in 1 inch (2.5cm).

This problem has been present even before I bought the vehicle, so who know what the PO did to it?

So, is it possible to lose a pin or lever or whatever from inside the transmission which is supposed to actuate the reversing lamp switch?

[geeves]

Its possible that its never had it and although its not shown in the book I would guess its a gearbox stripdown to fix correctly.
If it were me I would fit a simple switch on the dash or a microswitch that acts on the gearlever and connect to that. Much easier just for a light

[sanramonrover]

Thanks geeves. I have done the switch on the dash as a temporary fix. In Costa Rica it is known as "tricking the trafficos"- because vehicles need an annual inspection to be relicensed.

I had wanted to 'do it right',, but hadn't thought about trying a micro switch on the gear lever. I often forget to put the back up light on when parking, causing mayhem behind me, then often forget to turn it off after pulling forward - again causing annoyance behind.

[bozza72]

i have a small led light next to my switch so it shows a bright white light if left on.