reverse lights question

[euroZ06]

I just bought my 68 (440/727), column mounted shifter. The reverse lights are not working. I read about NSS, but is that also responsible for engaging the reverse lights? If it is, is there some pics or diagram on how to replace it?

[nascarxx29]

68 had a switch on floor shifter.As yours column auto I think it has a switch with purple and white wires.The switch in trans mission with the only one wire affects it your car starts in neutral and park

[nascarxx29]

http://www.dodgecharger.com/forum/index.php?topic=88915.0

[nascarxx29]

The switch looks like this.    http://www.moparmall.com/MoPar-p-n-2857240-reverse-lamp-switch-for-1967-68-p/838-200_a.htm

[euroZ06]

So it is not the nss? Jeez, this thing is super expensive! Is it simple relacement or lots of work needs to be done? Any way to diagnose if its the switch or that plastic piece in the shofter or wiring?

[John_Kunkel]

In '68 the build date matters. The backup light switch moved to the trans on May 15, 1968.

[euroZ06]

In '68 the build date matters. The backup light switch moved to the trans on May 15, 1968.

It says c28, so assume dec 28, 1967.

[euroZ06]

Ok, so i looked and i do have reverse lights in place, seems like all the wiring is ok and connected. How can i diagnose the issue, and what should i try next? Really dont want to spend $120 on a switch if i dont need it how do i check if the pin (?) in steering column is engaging the reverse light switch

[303 Mopar]

You need to determine if the ground is actually grounding when you put it in reverse.  I had this problem on my '71 Challenger.  The lights will not come on unless the it is grounded.

[70 sublime]

Silly question

Did you check to see if there was bulbs in the lights or take them out to see if they worked (chunk of wire at the battery and the bulb on the other post) 

[euroZ06]

You need to determine if the ground is actually grounding when you put it in reverse.  I had this problem on my '71 Challenger.  The lights will not come on unless the it is grounded.

How do i check that?

[euroZ06]

Silly question

Did you check to see if there was bulbs in the lights or take them out to see if they worked (chunk of wire at the battery and the bulb on the other post) 

Took them out, they look ok inside.

[nascarxx29]

If you have a purple and white wire jump them together to see if you get lights

[euroZ06]

If you have a purple and white wire jump them together to see if you get lights

sorry, I'm really a newb with all of this. purple and white wire where??

I'm really struggling with this I'm in Germany, the car needs to pass inspection before 4th of july weekend or they take my plates, and I need backup lights to work to pass. I can't find the pin for sale, and spending $150 on the reverse switch if I don't need it, seems like a lot :/   I'm also toggling couple of other issues in the mean time (just ordered my tie rods, need to take it in for alignment, and need to fix the tranny kickdown assembly).

[nascarxx29]

The switch should be at end of steering column and have a connection with purple and white wires leading up to it are for reverse light unplug and jumper wire across those 2 wires then check for lights you are bypassing the column activated switch

[euroZ06]

The switch should be at end of steering column and have a connection with purple and white wires leading up to it are for reverse light unplug and jumper wire across those 2 wires then check for lights you are bypassing the column activated switch

Ok, just hook those two wires together? Ignition on?

I just thought, maybe its a fuse? If so, where would i find it and which one to check?

[euroZ06]

The switch should be at end of steering column and have a connection with purple and white wires leading up to it are for reverse light unplug and jumper wire across those 2 wires then check for lights you are bypassing the column activated switch

Ok, i jumped them and the lights work. So does that mean its the switch?

[euroZ06]

So, after fiddling with the switch it seems that it works. I added a bit of oil to the spring. So it looks like that little pin is broken. I ready on the other post to just stick a bolt in there and it should work. Any specifics? Is it possible to make some relay to make this work?

Thanks for the help btw!

[euroZ06]

So i ran to the store and got a bunch of bolts and screws, but im having an issue. None of them are exact fit. The one i found closest to fit, doesnt engage the switch correctly, or im an idiot:
The swtich, when mounted moves to the left (??!) with the actual switch facing away from me, after small movement it engages the reverse lights and then its free movement again (against the spring). When u move shifter lever, the hole moves to the right! So before i started putting it together, i figured that park is that first part of the small movement on the switch, then reverse where it engages and all the other gears go against the switch spring, but its not! So if the hole with my bolt goes to the right, and switch operates to the left, how is it supposed to engage? At one point i tried to set the bolt up against the switch, but then i have reverse on in park. I cant move the switch further due to mounting (so that the when in park, the switch is under spring pressure past engagement point).

I dunno if im making any sense and currently im lost and not sure what to do or how this works

[nascarxx29]

So electrically  they work you got a mechanical problem with the pin..what about a plastic or soft metal alum pin you can file easily to fit

[Al]

So electrically  they work you got a mechanical problem with the pin..what about a plastic or soft metal alum pin you can file easily to fit

I had the same problem. You can find the necessary pin on ebay, but it's ridiculously expensive.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/141910202241?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

I used a cotter pin which I bent. It's been working for a couple of years now.

Al

[euroZ06]

Thanks for all the advice guys!

I took it to a friend of mine, he took off the column and welded a bolt into that hole, so everything works ok now.