Manual Tranny Backup Light

[Chasbod]

Getting ready to change back to manual tranny setup. 1st w/ 3 on tree Ford 3 spd and eventually a toploader 4spd. I'm not familiar w/ the reverse/backup light setup for the 2 configurations.

Any help?

[390Nut]

There is a two-prong plug on the top rear drivers side of the T18 tranny that is the backup switch, just above and forward of where the speedo-cable plugs in. You can see it in the pic on this page, it's the small red connector to the top rear.

http://www.novak-adapt.com/knowledge/t18_t19.htm

They are spade terminals, so technically you don't NEED the correct plug, just female quick connects of the proper size, to connect to the correct wires in your truck.

Not sure exactly where it is on the NP435, but I THINK it is on the passenger rear side.

Hope this helps a little.

[fordman]

np435 is the same but i thinkits on the drivers side. the three on the tree switch is on the bottom of the column.

[390Nut]

the three on the tree switch is on the bottom of the column.

2 wires? If so, it should be easy to just extend them out to the new tranny and add crimp terminals, and then plug them in. If they don't work, just reverse them and it should work fine.

[kaptnkaos]

I just had to change the plug for a newer style backup light switch on my '68 CS np435...
It seems that the switch with the two male spade clip is no longer available... The new style switch has two round prongs instead...
A trip to the friendly wreckin' yard and I found a plug for it in no time.
I don't think it really matters which wire goes to which...
they are both the same color...
The switch is just a pressure switch that completes the circuit when the shifter presses on it when put in reverse.
If it's got power going to it, then you should have power coming out when you shift into reverse.

KaptnKA S

[fordman]

paul it is just a two wire plug.

[Chasbod]

Thanks.

I was thinking it was a column mounted switch. Do I have to hit the salvage yards or can they be purchased from LMC, NPD, etc?

[kaptnkaos]

As far as I know, no one sells the plugs for the newer style switch except possibly a Ford dealer.

I called the local Ford dealer, they wanted me to come and identify which plug I needed, and they could order it for me.
I ended just went to the wreckin' yard and getting one...
With the other couple of things I got at the same time, they really didn't even charge me for the plug.

KaptnKA S

[peanutman]

Lmc carries the 3 on tree switch only. Only place i could find one and was $24.95. If you really want a new one you might try green sales. link is on this web site.

[l1k2gadd]

I believe the same two connectors have been on every Bump under-hood harness I have looked at. The two connectors that plug directly into the 3-on-the-tree reverse light switch are jumpered together on an automatic tranny truck because the reverse light switch is inside of the truck mounted on or near the column. The T-18 harness I just got plugs into the same two connectors and extends the wires across the lip on the cab that is behind and under the master cylinder and then turns and goes under the cab to the back of the T-18 reverse light switch.

(edit) I believe some of the older Fords (late 60s or early 70s) have a two-pin brake distribution block warning light plug that could be similar to this reverse light tranny plug, but I am not sure.

[sargentrs]

DC sells the 3spd for $20. Part number: C9TZ-15520-F. The 4 spd is only $12.50. Part number: C7TZ-15520-B. Mine's missing too. I thought that's what that mystery bracket on the bottom of my column might be for. How does the wiring route and connect? Now that I know what it looks like (thanks for the pics, l1k2gadd!) it might just be hanging there from the firewall, but just in case......

[l1k2gadd]

Ok, here are pictures of the 3-on-the-tree reverse switch on my '68 F100 in the on and in the off positions. You can see the shift lever pressed up against the little white button switch in the one picture and you can see it pushed out in the other when the truck is in another gear (or neutral like it is now). NOTE the two FEMALE harness connectors that are plugged into the switch. These same two female connectors plug into the T-18 MALE harness connectors pictured in the other photos above and run down and under the transmission hump area to the back of the T-18 reverse switch if you have the 4-Spd.

The switch is available through Napa (from what they told me) but it was pricey for such a small thing. I have found several in the wrecking yard to date.

[4th effie n counting]

so was this an option or standard? I don't recall seeing a bracket like that on any of the junkyard trucks (bumps) i've seen yet, or mine for that matter. Is it bolted to the column housing? I can't quite tell.

[l1k2gadd]

The bracket is installed on at least two three-on-the-tree columns I have here with a hose clamp, which I am believing is factory, as the others I have gotten switches off of were the same way, that I remember. I have a few columns here that I got when I needed parts for my truck right after I bought the truck. These are, however, a 1970 and a 1972 column. I've pulled switches off of several, but never noted the exact year of each truck. I took a couple of additional pictures of the installation of the bracket on two columns. The one in my truck with the switch in place and the other is of another column I have here with the switch off of the bracket.

[fordman]

yes that is the factory way a three speed column switch is mounted on the column. the four speed is one the transmission