1997 2 door ascent high brake light / backup light trouble

[poohbah]

I have a 1997 2 door ascent with manual transmission.

The high brake light and backup lights are not working.

One bulb socket appears bad so I'm planning to replace the tail light assembly.

I've tested all the bulbs and fuses for the entire truck and these all seem to work when using continuity test.

How do I test or find the backup light switch?

How do I test the high brake light bulb and ballast?

 

[koda2000]

The ballast is probably burnt out (lousy system) I replaced mine with an LED strip for around $13. The backup light switch is located on the transmission. It's part of the neutral safety switch.

http://s1303.photobucket.com/user/kodabear2000/media/109_0198_zpsxz7poqm1.jpg.html

 

[2TimingTom]

Ditto. Go LED. I think I have the part number that I used in my registry somewhere and even showed my process a little.

 

[96firephoenix]

The backup light switch is located on the transmission. It's part of the neutral safety switch.

Uhh? I thought the NSS on a manual trans is on the clutch pedal...?

I do agree that your B/U switch is bad, and located on the transmission - I've got the same issue on my 97 ranger.

 

[koda2000]

Uhh? I thought the NSS on a manual trans is on the clutch pedal...?

I do agree that your B/U switch is bad, and located on the transmission - I've got the same issue on my 97 ranger.

I assumed he had an automatic. If he has a manual trans, then yes there is a safety sw on the clutch pedal.

I reread the original post and he does say he has a manual trans. I forget you could get a manual trans as I've never actually seen one on an Explorer.

 

[96firephoenix]

I assumed he had an automatic. If he has a manual trans, then yes there is a safety sw on the clutch pedal.

I reread the original post and he does say he has a manual trans. I forget you could get a manual trans as I've never actually seen one on an Explorer.

I wasn't sure if I had something really wrong with my memory/understanding or if you had assumed automatic.

they weren't a very popular option, but the 2-doors got the vast majority of the manual transmissions, it seems.