Where is the REVERSE LIGHT SWITCH located?

[CAGerringer]

2008 Explorer, V6, 2wd, Automatic tranny 5R55S.
Fuse is good, bulbs are good.
Need help finding the switch as my Chilton's is ABSOLUTELY WORTHLESS!
Thanks,
Charlie

 

[Mbrooks420]

I doubt there is one, as in older vehicles. It probably works off of the digital transmission range sensor.

 

[J_C]

I suspect it might have a separate switch but still mounted on the transmission.

2008 FORD EXPLORER 4.0L V6 Back Up Lamp Switch | RockAuto

RockAuto ships auto parts and body parts from over 300 manufacturers to customers' doors worldwide, all at warehouse prices. Easy to use parts catalog.

www.rockauto.com

 

[CAGerringer]

I doubt there is one, as in older vehicles. It probably works off of the digital transmission range sensor.

My Chilton's doesn't mention a transmission mounted Reverse Light Switch, but does mention a Digital Transmission Range Sensor (DRS). The wiring diagram for a DSR has the power coming from Fuse 27, but my owner's manual says that Fuse 27 is for "Tri-color Stop Lamps" and Fuse 15 is for the "Reverse Lamps". Rock Auto is offering a Back-up light Switch for a 2008 Explorer!?!?
Now I'm really confused!
Charlie

 

[CAGerringer]

OK...changed out the Digital Transmission Range Sensor (DRS) and it DID NOT fix the problem. Reverse lights still don't come on in Reverse.
That leaves the "Motorcraft SW6396 Back up Lamp Switch" as posted by J_C.
Does anybody have any idea where the switch is located? If on the transmission...where?
Thanks, Charlie

 

[J_C]

I saw a post by BullittGuy in this topic:

Ford Ranger Questions - Back up light switch - CarGurus

Back up light switch - Where is the back up light switch located exactly? I have replaced the bulbs, even though the old ones are still good. Any info or...

www.cargurus.com

 

[CAGerringer]

J_C,
Looked through the BullittGuy string, and most of that was about 2nd and 3rd Gen Rangers. The Manual trans entries are N/A. I have a 2wd 5R555, 5 speed tranny, and a 4th Generation Explorer.
Anyone who can tell me where the "Backup Lamp Switch, Motorcraft part # SW6396, is attached to a 5R55S transmission , PLEASE tell me all about it!
Thanks, J_C.
Charlie Gerringer

 

[J_C]

I kept looking and can't find any reference to it except for manual transmission rangers. I might be leading you on a wild goose chase!

 

[CAGerringer]

J_C,
I think you're on to something. I looked at the info listed for the Part SW6396 Backup Light Switch on the RockAuto site. It lists both the Explorer 1991-2010 and the Mountaineer 2002-2010 as using the switch. It must go somewhere!!!
Charlie

 

[J_C]

^ Or a database error... I first saw the switch on Rock Auto.

 

[Mbrooks420]

J_C,
I think you're on to something. I looked at the info listed for the Part SW6396 Backup Light Switch on the RockAuto site. It lists both the Explorer 1991-2010 and the Mountaineer 2002-2010 as using the switch. It must go somewhere!!!
Charlie

Their info is incorrect somewhere. It should be on the Mountaineers 1997-2010.

 

[Mbrooks420]

It does go somewhere. On a manual transmission you don’t have.

 

[Mbrooks420]

Also, your transmission isn’t a 5r555 it’s a 5r55s.

 

[CAGerringer]

Right you are, Brooks.
What's up with you and Only1Mia?

 

[Mbrooks420]

I’m guessing she was a clown and didn’t like hearing it.

 

[CAGerringer]

Bought a Maintenance Manual. For the reverse lights, on a 2008 Explorer, in normal operation...
"The smart junction box (SJB) receives the transmission gear status from the PCM (5R55S transmission), through the instrument cluster gateway, over the communication network. When the transmission is placed in REVERSE (R), the PCM sends a message over the communication network indicating the transmission is in reverse. The SJB then provides ground to an internal relay, which routes voltage to circuit CBP15 (BN/BU) to the reversing lamps."
So...what I think I have is one, or more, of 3 events.
1. a bad SJB
2. a bad PCM
3. an Open circuit
I'm also thinking I can live with this problem a bit longer.
Charlie

 

[FatzLebowski]

Question Frens: I have a 2010 with a 5R55s as well. I have replaced my bulbs also, and I am not getting reverse light either. However. My shifter is broken with respect to the latch mech that holds the shifter in gear. I can move my shifter without pressing the big button on the front of the shifter. Could it be an issue with that broken shifter. I was planning on replacing it at some point, and adding a Flex Grip because "Why not". Any chance this might be it?

 

[CAGerringer]

Question Frens: I have a 2010 with a 5R55s as well. I have replaced my bulbs also, and I am not getting reverse light either. However. My shifter is broken with respect to the latch mech that holds the shifter in gear. I can move my shifter without pressing the big button on the front of the shifter. Could it be an issue with that broken shifter. I was planning on replacing it at some point, and adding a Flex Grip because "Why not". Any chance this might be it?

I think it's a good chance your shifter is not sending the signal required by the PCM. My second guess is an open circuit.

 

[FatzLebowski]

I think it's a good chance your shifter is not sending the signal required by the PCM. My second guess is an open circuit.

An open circuit as in the wire is damaged/broken/unplugged somewhere. That sounds like a warm weather project LOL

 

[CAGerringer]

An open circuit as in the wire is damaged/broken/unplugged somewhere. That sounds like a warm weather project LOL

I'm in Florida, sorry.