1st Generation Specific (1979-1985) 1979-1985 Discussion including performance modifications and technical support sections

Auto to Manual Swap - No Reverse Lights

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Old 05-10-12, 03:27 AM
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MI Auto to Manual Swap - No Reverse Lights

My 85 was an auto to manual swap already when I bought it. I'm not sure where to start to get the reverse lights to work. Actually, I did start by checking the bulbs and they are fine, so I'm not sure where to go from there...

I did a search, didn't find the answer, but feel free to post a link if I missed this being covered in a previous thread

Thanks,
jeremy
Old 05-10-12, 09:15 AM
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I would check the fuse in the fuse block under the dash. The check to see if you are getting power to the light bulb sockets. My sockets had corroded enough that they weren't working. Then check the back up light switch. I am not exactly sure where it is located, but it is somewhere on the transmission. Good luck.
Old 05-10-12, 09:16 AM
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Just another thought. There is an inhibit switch on the automatic transmission. If you are ising the old wiring harness, perhaps that is what's causing the problem.
Old 05-10-12, 09:53 AM
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There is a plug and socket underneath the shift boot that is supposed to be plugged in for automatic transmissions but left unplugged for standard transmissions. Not sure what it does but it may be the back up lights and a possible source of the problems.
Old 05-11-12, 12:35 AM
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Originally Posted by ray green
There is a plug and socket underneath the shift boot that is supposed to be plugged in for automatic transmissions but left unplugged for standard transmissions. Not sure what it does but it may be the back up lights and a possible source of the problems.
I did see that under the shift boot. There are two wires there with "bullet type" connectors on the end of each, then a seperate harness with maybe 3 or 4 wires with an off-white plug on the end.
Old 05-11-12, 12:46 AM
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Don't plug in the bullet connectors, to late? You just blew your dimmer switch if you plugged them together those are power and ground for the light on the shift indicater for auto trans.

Check the wires going to the senders on the trany, of one broke our came unplugged that could be your problem
Old 05-11-12, 03:50 AM
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No, I didn't try doing that. I noticed the colors and thought that was probably the case.

I was thinking it was probably something under the car. I'll check the wires going to the trans when I get under there for the oil change this weekend.
Old 05-11-12, 05:50 AM
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The manual cars have a specific small harness underneath just for the backup lights. I'd have to look to see where it branches off of exactly, but it plugs into the side of the tranny.
Old 05-11-12, 10:01 AM
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Originally Posted by Banzai
The manual cars have a specific small harness underneath just for the backup lights. I'd have to look to see where it branches off of exactly, but it plugs into the side of the tranny.
That's probably exactly where I'm supposed to be looking. Thanks for the info! Wiring diagrams, here I come Hopefully on auto cars that harness is tucked in somewhere and not missing alltogether....
Old 05-11-12, 02:30 PM
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Originally Posted by jeremyferguson4444
That's probably exactly where I'm supposed to be looking. Thanks for the info! Wiring diagrams, here I come Hopefully on auto cars that harness is tucked in somewhere and not missing alltogether....
It's not hiding anywhere. I did the auto to manual conversion and had to get the harness from another car. It plugs in near the drivers side firewall and runs down the drivers side trans tunnel. I believe it has two clip type connectors that are the same and one bullet connector and they mate with the trans.
Old 05-12-12, 12:01 AM
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Originally Posted by KansasCityREPU
It's not hiding anywhere. I did the auto to manual conversion and had to get the harness from another car. It plugs in near the drivers side firewall and runs down the drivers side trans tunnel. I believe it has two clip type connectors that are the same and one bullet connector and they mate with the trans.
Great info!! Thanks!
Old 05-13-12, 01:16 PM
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I believe this is the connection your looking for. On the side of the tranny, same leads connected underneath, the connector at the other end next to the starter and the same connector looking from above.
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Old 05-15-12, 06:35 PM
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I think my main harness from my 83 is red and green. Not red and yellow like yours banzai?? I'll have to check. On my Turbo II tranny I have a red and a green wire with a white connector and a red wire and green wire bullet connector style.
Old 05-16-12, 05:37 AM
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Good point TT, all I have to draw from are SA versions.
Old 05-17-12, 12:10 AM
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Great info! Thanks guys! I won't have time to get it up in the air until this weekend, but I do appreciate all the input and will post back with resolution (hopefully).
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