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Getrag backup light switch

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Old 01-18-2014, 05:59 PM
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Getrag backup light switch

Ok, I have to admit that I gave up after 5 hours trying to get the old switch out. I tried everything, including a chisel and hammer through the shifter hole. I could have pulled the transmission in the time I worked on it . I need to leave for Mexico so I just wired a switch to the lights, but as the guy in Dirty Harry said, I gotsta know, how do you get the backup light switch out without removing the trans? I am stumped, what is the trick?...Mark
Old 01-18-2014, 08:37 PM
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I had to grind a socket to fit, sorry it's in my tool box at work otherwise I would have taken a picture of it to show you how I made it work. Monday would be the soonest I could post picture of it.
Old 01-19-2014, 05:26 AM
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I need to replace the one on my nv4500 but have the same problem as you. I tired it into the cargo light. That was three years ago. Kinds like it there. Can scare the heck out of tailgater's at a red light
Old 01-19-2014, 09:04 AM
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I made a tool that would have worked out of one of those thin sided sockets that are used for small motor spark plugs. but it was too long and I couldn't turn it. What is it with German engineers not giving enough space to fit a tool? Between the FSS and the backup light switch, I don't think it's an accident...Mark
Old 01-19-2014, 11:08 AM
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Originally Posted by 93-12Smoke
I need to replace the one on my nv4500 but have the same problem as you. I tired it into the cargo light. That was three years ago. Kinds like it there. Can scare the heck out of tailgater's at a red light
And you can park in the best spot in the lot, turn them on, and go sit and watch the ensuing hilarity!
Old 01-19-2014, 03:32 PM
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Originally Posted by NE frmhnd
And you can park in the best spot in the lot, turn them on, and go sit and watch the ensuing hilarity!
Done it, even left them on and went in the store shopping.
Old 01-19-2014, 04:22 PM
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I wired mine directly to the stock wires at the switch, so it needs the ignition switch to be on. I still need to remember to turn them off though...Mark
Old 01-20-2014, 06:00 PM
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Originally Posted by 93-12Smoke
I need to replace the one on my nv4500 but have the same problem as you. I tired it into the cargo light. That was three years ago. Kinds like it there. Can scare the heck out of tailgater's at a red light
I did that in my Jwwp once and the guy put his car in reverse and gased it into the car behind him.
Old 01-20-2014, 10:51 PM
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Originally Posted by mknittle
I did that in my Jwwp once and the guy put his car in reverse and gased it into the car behind him.
Imagine if you had revved up and blew out a bunch of black smoke as you turned them on!
Old 01-21-2014, 06:52 AM
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Originally Posted by maybe368
I wired mine directly to the stock wires at the switch, so it needs the ignition switch to be on. I still need to remember to turn them off though...Mark
Because I have 2) 100-watt backup/ work lights relayed off my rear battery bank and triggered off stock backup light circuit in addition to a switch in the cab there is a chance to turn them on while going forward so I installed an LED clearance lamp on the heater box over the trans tunnel as an indicator when the truck is in reverse.

When I was much younger at Christmas time my brother and I would sometimes stay in the car (1953 Buick Roadmaster) while my parents went Christmas shopping at the big Sears Robuck in Los Angeles on Soto Sreet, when there would be long lines of cars waiting for a parking, we would step on the brakes and watch the cars stop behind us and wait for us to leave. A few times people would get out and beat on our window and swear at us and threaten to call the cops.
That was fun.
Jim
Old 01-22-2014, 12:26 PM
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I used a impact gun with a SK socket on mine. Fit perfect. I want to say it was a 22mm.. I forget.
Old 01-22-2014, 01:16 PM
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Originally Posted by bannerd
I used a impact gun with a SK socket on mine. Fit perfect. I want to say it was a 22mm.. I forget.
It is 24mm and my tranny is still in the truck. I have a tool that I made out of a small engine spark plug wrench and I am sure it will work, when I pull the tranny next time (if there is a next time). I can live with a switch till then...Mark
Old 01-22-2014, 01:41 PM
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Originally Posted by maybe368
It is 24mm and my tranny is still in the truck. I have a tool that I made out of a small engine spark plug wrench and I am sure it will work, when I pull the tranny next time (if there is a next time). I can live with a switch till then...Mark
Yeah, I forgot how much of a tight fit that was. Even if you cut a hole the socket needs to be perfect or else it won't gab the nut.
Old 01-22-2014, 08:12 PM
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The back up lights do not work on my truck either. The wiring from the switch to the lights is good.

No power getting to the switch from the thick white wire though. What fuse number is used for that circuit?
Old 01-22-2014, 09:02 PM
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Originally Posted by rrgrassi
The back up lights do not work on my truck either. The wiring from the switch to the lights is good.

No power getting to the switch from the thick white wire though. What fuse number is used for that circuit?
I'll check the manual tomorrow, but it is probably a good idea to check all the fuses, especially for amp rating. Over the years, and I am guilty of it, a fuse would blow, a 20A for example, and all I had was a 15, so in went a 15. I found a 25 in the 10A radio spot, and 15s in 2 spots for 20s. I found a blown fuse for the brake lights, but the switch was bad and probably caused the fuse to blow. I do remember that there is a backup light fuse, but I don't recall which right now and will check tomorrow...Mark


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