Reverse Light Switch Adjustment

[ssn696]

For those that used to watch Cash Cab, I need a shout-out to the general expert base. I was asked via PM about fixing the backup lights that remain on in neutral. I tried my best, but I need a second opinion. I remember making an adjustment about 20 years ago, and it seems like it was a toothed rack that I released and slid a few teeth over to correct the phasing of the switch, but I don't have an auto column to demonstrate how to do this. Can anyone offer some better advice?

PS: would you believe this fellow has a G-body in French Tahiti? Talk about driving in paradise but hell on earth trying to find parts...

 

[ssn696]

hi !!
I've seen in a topic that you talk about the reverse light switch under the column, and i don't find it ? I have unmounted the part with the vent tube, now I see the head light high beam switch but no reverse light switch? ..
because my reverse lights go on in neutral..
please help !
thanks !

mickeypowa, Today at 9:22 PM

 

[ssn696]

I just went out to the garage and realized that all three columns I have pulled out right now are manuals, so I don't have a photo I can offer. Here is a picture from RockAuto, so I hope it helps you identify which plastic thingie at the base of the column you need to find.

Notice how the switch is semi-circular. I remember being able to gently pry a tab back and getting the thing to release. It has a toothed track that lets you adjust it. Looking at the steering wheel, when putting the shifter into gear from park, you are rotating it clockwise. If your lights are on in neutral, you need to slide the switch a few teeth counter-clockwise to align it to the lights are only on in reverse, then off again in neutral and park. When you release the tab, the switch should lock into the notches again and stay there.

 

[ssn696]

thank you for your answer.
Yes I a an automatic transmission th350
I don't find anything on the colum here are some photos I just took

I don't find it !

mickeypowa, 55 minutes ago

 

[ssn696]

I find this on the top of the colum, on the back near the firewall, but no switch can be moved on it..

is it this part ?

mickeypowa, 53 minutes ago

 

[ssn696]

So, can anyone offer Mickey some better guidance? Is the adjustment in the one or two bolts seen in the last image?

 

[mickeypowa]

Thank you ssn696 !!
Yes in tahiti, to find parts, we are forced to order on ebay or rockauto !!
People love v8 old american cars here ! but not a lot oldsmobile cutlass left, only 3 on the island can drive I think, and there are a few more in very bad shape.
I just found that :
https://gbodyforum.com/threads/reverse-lights-neutral-switch.57373/

It really looks like the part I have on the top of the column.
Somebody tells that reverse lights switch is connected by blue and green wire, I will check that tomorrow.
Maybe I have to unmount the switch to adjust it on this model...

 

[pontiacgp]

I don't think there is an adjustment. I think the problem could be the linkage and worn bushings. The back up lights are the blue and green wires

 

[mickeypowa]

hi !!
Sorry but what do you mean by "the linkage and worn bushings" ?
thanks !

 

[pontiacgp]

On your steering column near the firewall in the engine compartment you'll see a rod attached to the column. That rod is part of the linkage that goes to the transmission shifter bracket. The bushings for the linkage wear out and can cause issues