Getting my 86 SS for safety inspection and just noticed that my rear backup/reverse lights (white) are not working. I took the bulbs out and cleaned them and the socket too but still having issues. I noticed sometimes if I play with the shifter (Floor shift), I can get them to work. Anyone have any ideas on what the problem might be?

Thanks,
Cos

You may need to adjust your shifter linkage or maybe just the neutral switch down on the column near where it exits the floor/firewall, check it out and good luck!!

Adjust neutral safety switch

S?o even though it is a floor shifter the neutral safety switch is by the steering column by the firewall? How do I adjust the switch?

Not sure on the switch, I'm a column shift, but as a Temp Fix you might try pressing the shifter one way or the other and see if it consistently works, then offer to operate the lights etc while the inspector looks from outside the car. I know that has helped me out a number of times...

Your neutral safety switch is at the base of your column, along with your back up lights. The cable from your floor shifter goes to the selector shaft on the trans. At that point there is a rod that connects to your steering column. Putting it in park/reverse moves the cable and rod. You would have to check for current at the switch to see if power is going to the reverse lights when in reverse.
This can help, but try using Google to learn how to test the switch.
http://www.maliburacing.com/wiring_diagrams/BackupLights.jpg

Richie, when I got home from work, I went underneath the dash and saw the neutral safety switch on top side of column. I tried moving it left and right but its not moving. I played around with the linkage but still could not get backup lights to light up. As I tried shifting from park to reverse my son said that the backup lights would flicker on and off. At that point I moved the shifter slowly from Park to Reverse and the lights stayed on. If I moved the shifter relatively fast they would not stay on. So based on my findings, If I shift slowly the shift indicator stays slightly to the right of the Reverse "R" and the backup lights will stay on. If I manually move the shifter until the indicator is on top of the "R" the lights go off. So it looks like my switch needs to be replaced. Does this make sense or is there something else I can adjust. Thanks for everyone for your help.

Hunter, I live in MA. Oct. of 2017, safety inspections changed for the worse. All inspection bays have cameras that are being monitored by the RMV. The inspector is being watched and can no longer pass anyone for any violation as they can loose there inspection license. I also heard that customers are not allowed anywhere near the inspection bay or in the car. This is my first time with the new rules so I am trying to make things right to avoid a reject sticker.

That sucks that the laws are so strict there. In Texas, if your vehicle is 25 years or older, you only need the safety inspection. I've also been in the garage with every one of my vehicles while they were being inspected.

Are you sure there is no adjusting that switch? Maybe its just gummed up after years of dust settling in to it.

Ouch. Yeah, I usually operate all the controls if for no other reason than to keep them from breaking my headlight switch more than it already is...

I am not sure. I am hoping someone here can respond with details on how to adjust this switch. Otherwise, I will have to replace it so I don't have to worry about it at every inspection.

Cos
Does your switch look like this?
https://www.autozone.com/batteries-...duralast-neutral-safety-switch/18755_0_0

Yes. When I did a search for a new one, that's the picture that came up.

Cos from what I've found that is a "ratchet" style switch. I Googled and found you can push it while in the column to adjust it. Other than that I didn't find any repair help on it. Local library's have repair manuals, maybe go to yours and find some info on it.

Thanks Richie. I'll take a picture of the switch on the column from the top side to see how the "ratchet" switch moves. Maybe it will give me an idea of how to adjust the switch. It will also show me how the wires connect to the switch. Thanks again.

@Cos86SS

Did you ever find a solution to this problem?

After reading your thread, i realized my car does the exact same, 86 SC if i shift slowly from park to reverse the back up lights will work, but if i switch gears to fast, they won't work.
Curious to know if you found how to fix this? or if the neutral switch needed to be changed out?

Just in case anyone has ever had this problem I found the Solution...

That nuetral safety switch thing is in the Streering Column.. you will notice theres like a sleeve on the steering column, you can actually turn it with your hand... I imagine it gets tweaked out over time from using the column shifter up and down every time you get in and out of the car like me if you're a bigger guy.. Anyways.. Just have a friend or something stand behind the car.. start the car, hold the brake, set the car in reverse... and just slowly rotate the collar or sleeve on the steering column right behind the steering wheel.. counter clockwise slowly.. and the rear lights should instantly turn on.. as long as the bulbs are good.. pretty easy 20 second fix.

I was able to turn it (towards the passenger side in my case) with a little force and kept turning till my reverse lights worked. Unfortunately, it only lasted about 1 year then it started to act up again. At that point I decided to replace it and has been working fine since then.

This is what you need to do, the N/S looks like this!! https://www.oreillyauto.com/detail/...ive-car-1986-chevrolet-monte-carlo?pos=0 There are notches within the switch that keep the switch adjusted after it is in the correct position. Good luck!