I have a 96 5spd and my backup lights don't work when I put the car in gear. It was really intermittent before. I would have to move the shift lever to just the right spot to get them to work.

1.No my bulbs are not burnt out
2.the fuse it fine

All I am wondering is how to plug the switch back in or get a new one?

Where is the thing located on the tranny? is it on the housing or is it in the tranny somewhere?

Yes I searched and was not able to find a description of where to find this plug/switch.

Thank you for you indulgence
Jake

 

It is the black plastic plug with two wires in it located on the bottom of the trans. It costs around $30 or so at your dealer, and is most likely the cause of the problem. Be aware that removing this switch will drain the entire contents of your trans gear oil, so plan on a fluid change as well.

 

I think that was a TSB back in 96 or 97 too as a source for leaks, but no mention about it for failing backup lights.

When you take the old one out, inspect it. It's a ball that moves back and forth. On mine, it wore out at 190,000 miles, and I'd hafta wiggle the shifter sometimes to get it right.

When I swapped in a 2001 5sp transmission (my 97 5sp had an autoimmune disease that devoured itself 400miles from home) the reverse wouldn't work unless I gently shifted into the Reverse gate.

Dr J

 

Oh btw, the bolt that holds the sensor is very very weak. I suggest you spray it with penetrating oil, turn on the car for just a short bit to warm up the transmission, and then take the bolt out. The warmth makes it much much easier to remove, or else you'll be snapping bolt heads. Same goes for installation, don't over-tighten!

Dr J

 

sweet thank you guys.

 

it help me too... thanks