reverse light switch on transmission.

[tuff4rd]

Yes, your backup lights are controlled by the neutral safety switch.
There is a small screw on each side of the switch. Loosen each screw slightly, then put the truck in reverse, and turn the key to 'run', but do not start the truck. Move the switch slightly until the lights come on, then tighten down the switch. Check to make sure the engine cranks only in park and neutral.
Before doing this, though, I would check the fuse.
I fought my switch and couldn't get the stupid lights to come on. Turned out to be the fuse.

My backup lights are working I tryed adjusting the neutral safety switch like flyboy said with no luck. So what I did was take the switch off the column and disconect it from its harness. I then cleaned/scraped the switches contacts & reinstalled and ajusted the switch per flyboys directions, now the backup lights and safety switch work perfect BTW, I used a tiny flat head screw driver to clean the contacts, I also put a little grease on the switches spring to help it move more freely.

[flyboy2610]

[tuff4rd]

Thanks for your help

[1971ford]

hmmmmm. ill have to try that

[tuff4rd]

Let me know if that works for you. Whatever you do, do not disassemble the switch. I did and had springs and a couple of brass ball bearings fly out of it Luckly I was able to reassemble , the contacts are accessible
without having to disassemble. I have a funny feeling this will solve your problem, just make sure to clean them well and adjust it like flyboy said.
BTW..Make sure the bulbs are good. I had one bad one, and probably would had not figured it out if they were both bad
Good luck!

[1971ford]

this weekend ill try to clean the switch ( hopefully i can do it today and maybe my brother can use the truck) . ill also buy a bulb.

thanks for all the help. ill definetly let you guys know how it goes.

[1971ford]

well i put a new fuse in and i took out the switch and took it all apart (its a little difficult putting backtogether but not too hard.) it really helped to get it cleaned. after i cleaned it my dad tested the wires and the switch was working(it wasnt working when i took it out of the truck). so that helped alot but then i reinstalled it and the lights still didnt work. so ill try a new bulb.

[1971ford]

hmmm . i dont know what you mean by jumper wire. i looked at the first page pic, is it the big black wire in that pic?.

also, i looked under the truck and found only a couple wires going down the frame to the cab so there is no sign of PO wiring. but you never know, because all the wires in my cab have been screwed with.

[1971ford]

im going to go take pics. it might be too dark but ill see.

[fordman]

po wiring problems are usually found under the rear bumper

[1971ford]

behind my rear bumper is two wires that end in a plug but im guessing thats for trailers. i just took some pics. im putting them on my computer right now.

[1971ford]

it was very dark so the pictures are very bad but it may give you an idea. i dont know.
end of the steering column:


i dont know if this plug has anything to do with my problem but this plug is sitting on my inner fender.


here is a pic of it in its natural habitat .