My 90 rx7 convertible had been sitting for a few years. the battery had gone bad. after jumping the car all the dummy lights stay on in the dash the only two that go out are seat belt and airbag. Been chasin the problem through the book and cant find the relay. Also with this the reverse lights no longer come one.

 

Reverse light and 5th gear switch is a combo switch mounted at the Tranny. Either the connections to the switch is damaged (most likely) in some way or the switch is bad. No relation by itself to the idiot lights.

Usually the idiot lights staying on is related to a bad alternator.

Bottom line, you've got two separate things going on that need repair.

 

Go to the ENGINE ELECTRICAL section of the FSM and follow the trouble shooting tree.

Tell you what, if you backprobe the L wire on the small plug with it connected to the alternator, key to ON, engine OFF, and don't get 1-3 vdc, the alternator is faulty, especially if the ALTERNATOR light in the Warning Light assy is on.

 

Do you think that it is possible that these things could of happened from jumping the car. None of this happened until we jumped it. I could possible see this being the problem for the reverse light? opinion?

 

The reverse light switch is a regular failure part for the FC and Miata's and FD's.

It is a simple switch that gets power from the meter fuse in the dash fuse box, and when the car is in reverse, sends that power back to the tail/reverse lights.

They fail all the time. I recommend adding a relay, they seem to last longer.

So not, jumping the car had absolutely nothing to do with the reverse lights not working. Climb under the car, with the key on check the switch. If it has power, the the fuse is good, if you put it in reverse and the green/red does not get power, then the switch is bad an needs to be replaced.

And as Hailers said, the idiot lights on, indicate a bad of failing alternator. So, if the idiot lights are coming on since you jump started the car, I suppose you could have hooked up the battery backwards when you jump started it... but lets face it... you probably had a dead battery that needed jump starting because the alt was not working.

 

This is very true I will have to check the alternator out and that switch. Hopefully this is the problem. thanks

 

Thanks for the help. I had the alternator tested and sure enough it was bad. Replaced it and no more idoit lights. I had also found the fifth gear and reverse light switch it had a red wire broken off of it. Is it possible to tear it apart and sodder it back on?

 

I guess you could try. If memory serves there's potting compound surrounding the wires in that go into the switch,. You might try to remove some of that potting compound and see what damage you can do. I think I'd just buy a used one or new one.