Backup Lamp Switch Function

Now reattach the switch to the connector and check the connector again with the test light.

Backup lamp switch function.

If you have an automatic transmission the transmission range sensor handles the function of the backup lights in lieu of a switch. If it s bad replace it. The backup light switch is similar in that it is also an on off switch. After putting the transmission in reverse unplug the electrical connector attached to it and check it using a test light.

Regulations worldwide stipulate minimum intensity ratios between the bright stop and dim rear position modes so that a vehicle displaying rear position lamps will not be mistakenly interpreted as showing stop lamps and vice versa. A backup light switch screws into the transmission and is triggered when you shift the vehicle into reverse. If the contacts in the switch are worn or have failed then this may cause the lights to function intermittently. This could lead to a serious car accident if this happens while you re driving.

In the on position the switch allows current to flow from the pink wire this is the 12 volt power source to the backup lights when the gear selector is placed in reverse. If the lamp lights up this means that there is no problem with the battery supply. Reverse lights function intermittently. The most obvious symptom of a bad neutral safety switch is when you can crank the engine in any gear.

Replacing a backup light switch is fairly straightforward if you know what the switch looks like and where to locate it on your vehicle. There is no adjustment for the backup light switch and no way to repair it. The backup light switch mounts on the side of the manual transmission on your 2008 dodge ram 1500. In combined function installations the lamps produce brighter red light for the stop lamp function and dimmer red light for the rear position lamp function.

If the switch is functioning normally a circuit is completed when the switch is triggered and the white lights in the tail lights will illuminate.