The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area The Electrical Bay Backup Lights

I got all my lights working on my 54 Chevy PU today. This truck has a 700R4 auto transmission. I cannot get the backup lights to work. Is there something I'm missing on how to wire these lights.

Jon,

Your basic wiring would be from fused power through a reverse switch to your backup lights. Isn't a 700R4 a new tranny? Would a switch for this be located in the steering column on the original application.

What are you using as a reverse switch?

Stuart

I don't have a reverse switch, at least I don't think I do. The wiring is from the fuse panel but when put in reverse the lights do nothing. Its like something is missing.

You need a switch to put power to the lights when you go to reverse. How did you think it would work without a switch? Magic?

Sorry, not all of us are as smart as you are. I usually get friendly responses from other members when asking questions. Someone else did the wiring and I thought maybe they missed something. Its not magic. I think I figured it out by myself and don't need your help.

Jon,

You're wrong...most people ARE as smart as Cletis...some of us even have manners. Good luck on your project.

Stuart

Thanks Stuart, all I was wanting was some information or direction. I guess Cletis is having a bad day or just does not like answering questions with a positive attitude.

cletis is cletis, and that SEEMS to be the way he is

one way or another, you need a switch to be activated when the shift lever is set to reverse. i have an '88 and a '90(both non-electronic) in the basement, and both have a 4 prong, female jack. that jack needs a male jack to which the reverse lights wiring would be attached. when you shift into reverse, the mechanical shift arm on the trans will activate the internal arm to make contact at the internals/switch of the female jack, hence power to the lights. the 4sp on my jeep has a 2 contact switch, by which, when the lever is put into reverse, the internal, mechanical 'arm' will make contact for that switch, hence power to the lights. one way or the other, you have incorrect wiring, a bad switch, bad internal mechanics or a bad jack/s

Thanks rednate. I did some reading and looked into what you mentioned. I think the switch is bad. I believe I can wire directly into the sensor box (Lokar) that indicates the gear I am in and wire the reverse backup lights that way. This should work since there is a position for wiring up backup lights/or neutral safety switch. I will just undo the neutral safety switch and wire it as backup. I know you cannot do both on that type of sensor. I do appreciate your response and others on this site. As for Cletis, he should find something else to do if he reacts that way to someones question. I'm 64, if my question was from a young person just starting out in this hobby and received an answer like Cletis', that would probably discourage me from this hobby. Thats not what this site is all about and I hope the Staff recognizes this and has a talk with him. I love old trucks and sometimes questions do come up and its been good having people like you give an answer without being sarcastic and rude. Again, I appreciate your help and that of other Staff members and others who write to help with a question. Life is too short, so enough said on the so-called "Cletis" issue.

Touchy today, aren't we. You should not take things like that so personal. It was meant to be in jest.

I'm not touchy, I'm just polite in all that I speak to, including yourself. Members come to this site for constructive advise, not jest as you call it. If I wanted unprofessional answers to questions I could get that anywhere on the streets. If I or anyone asks a question or advise, just do what this site expects, give your best answer in trying to help and try not to be so cute, its not professional at all. Your apology is accepted and lets close this matter once and for all.

i just checked mine, and my guess on the function of the plug on the 700r4s was wrong. but lokar has a switch available for reverse lights/neutral safety function

Just wired it up using the Lokar sensor box and they work. Thanks.