Reverse Lights

[Darkhorse393]

I haven 83 Grand Prix and the reverse lights don't come on. I checked the bulbs and they are ok so now im on to the wiring. my question is does the power for the reverse lights come from a switch in the transmission or the shifter? it has a console shifter and a turbo 350 transmission.

 

[crucial118]

Put it into reverse and try and rotate the column. Odds are the reverse lights will come on. If it does you have to adjust the column linkage.

 

[pontiacgp]

there is a green and blue wire connector on the steering shaft. The blue wire should have power whenever you have the key in run position. If you jump those two wires the backup lights should come on. If they do it's a problem like crucial described, if not then you have track down the problem with the wiring to the back end. If you have no power at the blue wire check the fuse

 

[crucial118]

Thanks Pontiacgp, wasn't sure which wires were the ones to look for. I have to tap into them for my t5 swap.

 

[ssn696]

Love to hear more about your manual swap when you have a chance and photos.

 

[crucial118]

Love to hear more about your manual swap when you have a chance and photos.

I haven't made a build thread for my 80 Monte, but I can send you some pics if you want.

 

[pontiacgp]

Thanks Pontiacgp, wasn't sure which wires were the ones to look for. I have to tap into them for my t5 swap.

when you wire up the reverse lights on the T5 it doesn't matter which wire you attach the blue wire to in the T5 connector.

 

[axisg]

I am confused. The OP mentions a TH350 and you guys are talking T5. If its auto there is a white plastic clip on top of the steering column which can be adjusted to operate your lights. The shifter is connected to the linkage to the column. As the column rotates it triggers the reverse lights ( sometimes they are slightly out of adjustment ) it also only allows the key to rotate forward ( to start your car ) in the Park and Neutral position. Yes its the green and blue wires as Gp suggested.

to adjust, put it in reverse ( with the car off and blocked but key on ) and rotate that white clip on the top of the column until the lights come on.

 

[pontiacgp]

I am confused. The OP mentions a TH350 and you guys are talking T5.

That was my fault, I replied to the post about a swap to the T5 in the future before I noticed it wasn't the op's post..sorry..😵

 

[crucial118]

I am confused. The OP mentions a TH350 and you guys are talking T5. If its auto there is a white plastic clip on top of the steering column which can be adjusted to operate your lights. The shifter is connected to the linkage to the column. As the column rotates it triggers the reverse lights ( sometimes they are slightly out of adjustment ) it also only allows the key to rotate forward ( to start your car ) in the Park and Neutral position. Yes its the green and blue wires as Gp suggested.

to adjust, put it in reverse ( with the car off and blocked but key on ) and rotate that white clip on the top of the column until the lights come on.

Lots of good info here! I didn't know any of this. Sorry Axisg, PontiacGP and I went off on a tangent.