as we all know we remove the gear position switch (aka reverse light switch) to drain our 5-spd. but it is a plastic piece, and because of weather and dirt it sometimes cracks, as mine did. and now my reverse lights do not work. does anyone know exactly how the switch works so i can fiddle with it? the only part that broke off is the lip that the bolt goes through to hold the switch in the gearbox. thanks for your help.

 

That's odd, ive never heard of removing this... i changed my gear oil without removing it... Wish i could help ya put it back together. A simple switch cant be an expensive part tho, prolly $25 tops at the stealership...

Devin

 

yeah, its about $27 at the local 'StealerShip" haha. but i wanted to see if anyone knew how the thing works just for future reference if i r&r this one, which looks like what i will have to do. thank for the reply quasi.

 

oh, and how did you drain yours?? my haynes said to remove the drain plug, but the switch is pretty much the lowest point in the gearbox, so i used that. plus i couldnt figure out which one was the plug they were talking about. Pics usually help, but not in this haynes issue.

 

Drain plug is on the the passenger side end of the tranny. You can't fit a socket in there so many people choose to instead use the shift position sensor. I would try to get the drain plug first just to not risk damaging the sensor.

 

anyone know how exactly does the sensor work? and are there any other places to get it aside the dealer? thanks.

 

It's not really a sensor, but a set of contacts that make the electrical connection for the reverse lamps and the neutral position.

It has three positions:

reverse
neutral
evrything else

Actually the part inside the transmission moves across the face of this part, depending on which gear is selected. That is why they wear out. Constant movement, every time you shift into reverse or neutral.

 

good info. thank you

 

If thats not a sensor, what is?

 

OK, technically it is a sensor. I was merely trying to explain its function in simple terms.

It seems that some people when hearing the word "sensor" automatically think of some complicated electrical device that is just there to turn on the check engine light.

 

american components, russian components, sensors, switches... what is the difference.. all made in taiwan!