Reverse Lights & Neutral Safety Switch

[Racer Z]

Hi Guys -

On my 1970 F250 w/C6:
I finally replaced the missing finger "actuator" on the shift column. I spent the time to adjust the shifter linkage so that the gear indicator is now correct. Then I adjusted the neutral safety switch so that it starts when it should and won't start when it should not.

But, I don't have reverse lights. If I push the gear shift up into park and force it up farther than I need to, the reverse lights will come on.

Is my neutral safety switch wired wrong?
Is the switch somehow defective or the wrong switch for this application?

Thanks for your thoughts.

[Calfdemon]

I would have said that your switch just needs adjustment, but based on where your are saying your lights are coming on, that doesn't make sense. As for it being wired wrong, I wouldn't think that. You can only wire it backwards and then the truck would only start when it is in reverse and the reverse lights would come on in park and neutral. So that isn't the case either.

If the switch was out of adjustment, the reverse lights would come on somewhere NEAR reverse, and then you could adjust the actual switch on the steering column a little right or left to get it right. But if you are getting them to come on when you are in park and then cramming it well past park, that seems way off...

So in otherwords, I have no idea what the problem is, but base on your description, I don't think it is either of the above 2 problems.

[Racer Z]

I pulled the switch off my parts truck today and checked it with an ohms meter. It too does not engage the reverse lights until it's pushed past park. The neutral / park start section works just fine. Not sure what to think of this.

[Racer Z]

A replacement switch is 60 to 120 dollars depending on the parts store. Hopefully there will be one in stock that I can measure with my ohms meter. No point in spending 120 bucks on a new switch that works exactly like my current switch.

[Calfdemon]

I have at least 2 working switches and I only need one. So let me go through my parts and locate them and you are welcome to one of them. I am in Santa Clarita so I am not too far from you.

[Racer Z]

Hmm. That's very generous of you. I'll be in Northridge tomorrow (Sunday). I could jet on up if that's OK.
I'll PM you my cell phone.

[Calfdemon]

Tomorrow wont work as I have to go down to Culver City to go to a wedding. But I can give you one if you are back up in the area another day, or I can just mail it to you for the cost of shipping if that is easier... Ill give you a call after this weekend since its already late, and tomorrow is going to be a cluster..

[Racer Z]

Ha. I grew up in Culver City and live in Venice.
I'm in no hurry. Mail will be fine. It will cost less the the gas it takes to do the drive. Call me when it's convenient for you.