New M50D-R1: No reverse lights, details inside

[StuckInMA]

Part II of the story begun at: http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=164893

A new (rebuilt) transmission was installed and runs well, however the reverse lights are non-functional. The only electrical connection to this tranny is for these lights. A multimeter placed across the two wires leading to the lights shows continuity. When placed across the tranny port there is no continuity in any gear.

This truck is in the process of being moved from Massachusetts to North Carolina.

Does anyone have experience fixing this problem without removing the transmission from the vehicle? I noticed that the electrical socket can be removed from the transmission, but is there anything to do with it?

The remanufacturer will be informed of this problem on Monday, but I'm afraid of what options he will be able to present.

Thanks.

 

[toy720]

I dont know if these are the same but on my 92 toy there is a back up light switch on the tranny if it goes out no back up lights Ive changed it once. When looking at the manual there is a back up switch for your vehicle the switch is probably bad.

 

[StuckInMA]

ok, here are pictures (click on any for a better view):

(lost photos)


The reverse light socket on the tranny is red, the plug leading to the lights is black.



Plug removed. Notice that the socket has a bolt head, so presumably it could be removed for inspection (though I don't know what I'd be able to do in such a confined space).



Continuity in the circuit; nothing wrong with the lights. No picture of the tranny socket test, but no continuity there in any gear.

Anyone have any experience with fixing this?

 

[StuckInMA]

toy720

This is a 5 speed manual with the Mazda transmission. I don't know of any external reverse light switch...

Can you elaborate?

 

[BrooklynBay]

Could you swap this part with your part? It seems that this sensor is only screwed on. I would suggest pulling out the sensor, and looking into that part of the transmission to see if there is some sort of cam mechanism that is pressing against this sensor in reverse.

 

[StuckInMA]

You're saying swap out the red electrical socket?

I could, but I'm trying to determine if that's all that is necessary.

There's only about 3" of clearance in there, so looking into the transmission isn't much of an option.

 

[toy720]

that sensor is probably bad on my truck its actually activated by a cam like brooklyn was talking about on yours being 98 i would think it is done by signals.
if you had reverse before you switched tranys and know your reverse lights dont worlk i would venture to say that the sensor is bad.

 

[BrooklynBay]

Did you lift up the access panel inside of the vehicle to get to the top, or are there only a few inches of access from underneath?

 

[StuckInMA]

alright, here's the deal.



Behind the plug (seen on the right) is supposed to be a pin (seen on the left).



This pin is pressed up against the back of the plug when the transmission is in reverse, completing the circuit for the reverse lights.

Apparently it is not uncommon for this pin to fall out or be left out of the transmission during the rebuild. The guys at the shot were a bit sheepish over not checking that before they sent me off with the unit.

 

[deamers87ford]

where can i get the pin? i think mine fell out when the shop put new clutch in

 

[reefbong]

where can i get the pin? i think mine fell out when the shop put new clutch in

Anybody know the answer to the above?