The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area The Electrical Bay Reverse Lights on 69 chevy

I'm new to this vehicle and need some help. I have reverse lights but they are not working. I think that whoever put in the engine and tranny didn't care to reinstall the reverse light system. I haven't been able to find the reverse switch. The wiring is there but someone cut into it to install tow lights. Any suggestions? I just want to get things working so I can get it inspected and use it as a daily driver.

Is it an auto or stick. If it is a stick the reverse switch is on top of the tranny in front of the shifter on the drivers side. If it is an auto it is part of the neutral safety switch harness (I think), the factory manual isn't real helpful. I haven't owned an automatic, so no experience there. I'll give you 8 to 5 it was a stick. The easiest way out might be to put a switch on the dash. Hope that helps.

ttt

Larry

It's an automatic. Where would I find the neutral safety harness?

The switch mechanism is located on top of your column right before it passes through the firewall. WHen you shift into reverse, a small lever in the column slides a small piece inside the reverse/neutral safety device that creates contact between hot wire and reverse light wiring.

If this device is missing, then there'll be a rectangular hole atop the column and an "L" shape plug with some wires hanging out of it just loitering aorund.

I just fixed this a month ago so the info is still fresh. lemme know how it turns out, k?

The stuff listed above is IF the column is for an automatic. IF it is a 3 speed column and your auto shift lever is on the floor (as most of these trucks were I6's w/ 3 speed Saginaws), then you're going aftermarket or putting in the correct column.

It has the mechanism on the column at the firewall as you said. There are 2 green wires that seem to have a purpose. However there are 2 purple wires and one of those is hanging loose and the other looks to be connected to the fuse box.

I just went out and took a gander at that setup.

Did not notice any purple wiring, has your fusebox been replaced? Also, mine is a 1967 and we did not have accessory on the key so maybe the purple has something to do about that.

As for the green wires, you hti the nail on the head. They should come out from the bottom of the fuse box and end in an "L" shape plug that connects to the two terminals located on the reverse lighting switch.

I just noticed that my switch actually has an extra set of terminals too... maybe for the Neutral Safety? Would explain why I cranked my truck in Drive the other day :lol:

Anyway... the green wires are the key. Just plu them in. IF the "L" plug is no longer there, you may have to visit the 'yard and crimp a new one on. If you have any problems, I'll be here.

Hey man,

Just took a look at the old wiring diagram. Those purple wires are your neutral safety wires. They should run in between the fusebox, the reverse light switch (which also acts as your neutral safety switch apparently) and to the ignition switch.

THat way, if your shift lever is not in Park, then the purple wires do not make contact inside the device and your ignition does not receive electricity form the box. darn I'm good!

You are good! Thanks for your help! What's strange to me is that I can start my truck in all gears as well. So I guess either the switch doesn't work or the previous owner disabled it for some reason. Just thought of this....could that one disconnected purple wire disable both the lights and the neutral safety? This is my nightmare! The one thing that gives me fits is electricity. I just don't understand it! Once again thanks for your help!

No sweat man,

the purple wire is not the problem for non-working lights though. I ashould know, as I don't even HAVE a purple wire. Mine was a standard... didn't feel those purple wires were worth my time.

Your switch is probably bad, the sliding contacts just get corroded over time. Or it's installed incorrectly but I think that might interrupt your shift lever's movement. You can always pocket a fw from the junkyard and see what works.

Happy hunting. Any questions, I'm a lot better at electrical then I am at engine and driveline