'65 back-up light

[Jeremy Hedges]

My back have worked before. Everythiing is new. One of my lights quit working, I turned on the back-up lights and checked the connection to the light that was out, the plug on the back of the housing was out, when I went to plug it back in the othr light went out and now both lights don't work. The tail light and license lights work. The back-up swith is new, and I know it is adjusted right because it has worked in the past. I haven't noticed a fuse that controls just the back-up lights. What could be the problem? Both bulbs are good. The grounds are connected and the plugs are secure into the back of the housings. What else should I check?

Jeremy Hedges
#31711

[George C.]

Re: '65 back-up light

Jeremy,

With the shifter in reverse, key on, check for voltage at the pigtail with a meter. Could be your switch has gone bad. Also check plug connection from switch harness to main harness at the dashboard near the wiper motor.

George

[Mike M.]

Re: '65 back-up light

make sure you used external tooth star washers between groung wires and the tail/backup lite housings. mike

[Jeremy Hedges]

Re: '65 back-up light

OK, I don't seam to be getting power to the lights, If I unplug the b/u switch, do I put both probes from my volt meter into the plug (going into the firewall) or one probe and ground the other?
Jeremy

[John H.]

Re: '65 back-up light

Jeremy -

The pink wire feeds 12 volts to the switch, and the light green wire feeds power from the switch to the backup lights when you're in reverse and the switch contacts are closed. You should see 12 volts on the pink wire when the key is in the "on" or "accessory" position.

[George C.]

Re: '65 back-up light

Jeremy,
If you find 12 volts as John explained the test, then the switch is the culprit. To test it put the shifter in reverse, switch your meter to test for continuity putting the probes across the two terminals on the switch harness. Leave the key off for this test.

George