Reverse lights flash, but don't stay on

mcgsxr · Post by **mcgsxr** » Fri Mar 23, 2012 10:53 am

I have found the reverse lights on the car, they are "hidden" in the chrome piece between the tail lights.

When I put the car into Reverse, they flash but don't stay on.

Neutral safety switch issue?

Ideas on how best to test etc?

Thanks guys!

Mark

tbirdjohn · Post by **tbirdjohn** » Tue Mar 27, 2012 10:14 am

I have the same issue with my '67. Mine is due to the shifter being a bit sloppy. If I hold the shift lever 'just right" they stay on, otherwise they also flash and go out. I have replaced my Neutral Safety Switch 3 times...they work for a while and eventually go sloppy again...

I wish Ford would have used a Console mounted shifter on all the '60's T-Birds. Would have eliminated half the Column problems and it would looked better. The '63-'65 Rivs all had floor mounted shifters on the console. Why have a console with no shifter was always my pondering question on these LOL!

mcgsxr · Post by **mcgsxr** » Sun Apr 01, 2012 10:09 am

Maybe I will have to live with it the way it is then, thanks for the insight.

I love the column shifter though, it is part of what makes it feel vintage to me. Of course I have a bench front seat, so there was no hope anyway!

mcgsxr · Post by **mcgsxr** » Sun Apr 08, 2012 9:17 am

Hmmn, I notice that my brake lights are out too. Related?

I have turn signals on both sides. I checked and I have tail lights when the headlights are on.

I assume I have some checking to do with the master cylinder switch, and then further fun in the trunk with the sequential turn signal stuff, and potentially it is related to the neutral safety switch?

redstangbob · Post by **redstangbob** » Sun Apr 08, 2012 11:31 am

The stop switch will be on the pedal linkage under the dash, the stop circuit isn't connected to the backup lights. From what I can gather, the turn/stop systems are pretty similar between your car and the flairbirds, the article in the tech section should be of some help. Good luck, Bob C

mcgsxr · Post by **mcgsxr** » Sun Apr 08, 2012 2:17 pm

I have read through the resource you pointed me to, many thanks.

I will have to bone up on test light use, electrical is not my strong point.

I have the manuals on disc off eBay, so I should be able to sort through it in time.

Thanks for the pointers!

mcgsxr · Post by **mcgsxr** » Wed May 02, 2012 12:15 pm

Too funny.

I had an exhaust issue, so I took it over to a local place that my mech recommended. They put the Bird up on the hoist, running in reverse. The lights stayed on.

I think that I will have to carefully center the shifter to get the reverse lights to stay on.

Happy to fix something for free!

tbird · Post by **tbird** » Fri May 04, 2012 12:25 am

You likely need to adjust your neutral switch, there should be instructions in your Ford shop manual.