96 Ranger, 4.0L 4x4 5spd

My backup lights quit working. Bulbs are good, fuses are good. Not getting power to the line. I've traced it up to the point where it goes into the cab underneath the truck.

Is there a switch on the gear shifter that I can replace? How hard is it to get to?

Any help is greatly appreciated!!

 

If it turns out to be the back-up sensor.... Not sure if a 96' is the same as a '94 but my backup sensor is on the driverside of the tranmission housing and is easily removable with an open boxend wrench (not sure which size).

 

97 Ranger, 2wD, Extended Cab, 4.0, Auto

I have a 97 ranger with no back-up lights, and discovered no b/u signal coming from the switch on the left side of the transmission. Lights come on if I hook a hot jumper to this wore. The switch is a rather significant (expensive) looking unit that has more than 10 wires connected to it.

Is this the switch that needs to be replaced. Anybody know for sure?

 

Sometimes the hardest things to figure out end up being the easiest to fix. Crawled under the truck to check the switch, and BAMO! There it was, unplugged! Apparantly when I had the clutch replaced a month ago, they forgot to plug it back in. And I was too dumb to put 2 and 2 together lol...

Thanks for the info! I always get the right answers here!

 

Does it look like this?
Neutral Safety/Back-Up Light Switch; 12 Pin; Automatic Transmission

Averages about $40

mds79 - I'm still looking for yours.

 

Glad to hear it
Backup Light Switch: Can use alternate number {FF132} w/ Manual

 

Yup, the big one above is mine. Guess I'll bite the bullet.

 

Just be sure that that is what needs replacing first. From what you said about not getting an output signal from the unit, My guess would be the same as yours, and unfortunately the unit might have to be replaced.

 

Anybody know if the threads on the switch need to be sealed (like by wrapping it in pipe tape) when it gets installed? Not sure if transmission fluid might start dripping out if I don't. Thanks!

 

I use those switches a lot on diff locks, and trannies. I never pipe dope them. I'll use an o-ring if the old one had it, or a copper gasket, if the old one had a copper gasket. When you remove the old one, just use the same copper gasket. Or a new o-ring. Or nothing, if nothing is there. That said, if there is nothing there, use some blue loctite on the threads.

 

Thanks for the reply. I'll look to see if it has either of those when I replace it. By the way, if anyone's in the market for one of these I found one for my truck at autozone for only $10