[Blob]

I have a 95 ford ranger and the backup lights will not work! Both tail light bulbs and the two backup cab bulbs do not work, and yet all the lights are fine. All of the other electrical system works fine. Is the switch in the transmission(5 speed manual) broken? Is there a fuse or relay that might have blown?
Any help would be great

[rrmccabe]

Blob,

The backup lights are independent of other lights. So that makes sense.

I dont know where you backup switch is for sure, but you can check the transmission and shifter linkage if you have a floor mount shift.

Just jump the switch to test the circuit.

Rich

[docvette]

Doc here,

I would say the backup lamp switch is either mis adjusted, or a plug fell off, Have you first looked for blown fuses?

If so and that's good, then look where the shift linkage is..your switch should screw into the shift frame or the transmission directly in that area..Remove the plug, put it in reverse and ohm it out should be 000 on an R x 1 scale..infinite in any other gear..

Usually it is run on the same switch as the neutral safety switch, so be sure you have the right set of contacts to test.

If you have that, turn on the key, put a jumper wire between the two backup light wires on the plug and go look..are they on?

If not check both those wires, one should have 12 volts with the key on (in any gear)

If not your problem is forward from there to the fuse box...

If so , your problem lays to the rear between that plug (NS/Backup plug,switch)and the bulbs..

Doc

[rrmccabe]

Blob,

I checked and your backup switch is a screw in transmission type.

As doc mentioned you could have other problems but its easy to check your BU switch if needed. With key on, you can unplug the plug from the transmission and jump across with a wire. The lights should come on.

There is no adjustment on this type of switch.

Your switch should look something like this.

[T-bucket23]

If I read it right you said your tail lights dont work either. Check for a blown fuse. Anotherr very common problem on pickups is the bed loses the ground. Do the brake lights work. If the front running lights work and the rears dont then its not a fuse. Unfortunatly on most pickups the wires just run along side one of the frame rails. It is very easy for the harness or connectors to get damaged. Check to see if the brake lights or 4 ways work in eh back. If not I would bet you have a broken ground wire.

Good luck
Chet

[Blob]

all the other lights work fine just the backups are not working. I will test the backup switch asap. thanks for the quick replys!!