Backup lights not working
 

I have a 1998 Chevrolet C1500 single cab long bed 4.3L v6 5speed Manual.
The backup lights have not worked since I got the truck a few months ago.

I have tested and there is NO voltage getting to the bulb sockets.

The Fuse IS good.

I'm thinking its a switch or bad wire connection at the switch or some place.

some input would be appreciated.

Re: Backup lights not working
 

Two places to look; steering column or transmission. Look for a screw-in type unit on the trans with a plug connected to it. That's the likeliest culprit.
And I want to add it's much different than the VSS sensor.

Re: Backup lights not working
 

stick shift switch pics of the 2 offered here so you can know what to look for .

https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo...303344&jsn=476

https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo...303344&jsn=477

hope these pics help you find it and check it . lots of times i have seen the plunger ball get gummed up and just need some brake cleaner to clean it out and work .

Re: Backup lights not working
 

Thanks guys!
Tomorrow I will look at it if weather permits.

Re: Backup lights not working
 

Check the wiring in the back too, especially if a towing harness has been spliced in.

Re: Backup lights not working
 

forgot that one . but seen it a lot . even a aftermarket t-harness go bad and cause this .

Re: Backup lights not working
 

I'ts been awhile but finally today I got the truck up on the ramps.

Getting power on one pin on the connector & when I jump the 2 pins the backup lights come on.

Well I guess it's the switch!

Thanks again guys!

I just have to figure out which of the 2 switches is mine & get it ordered.

I'll let you know when I get'em working.

Re: Backup lights not working
 

So a few years later Im looking at this thread I started and realize that I never updated this!
So what happened was I got a new switch but lights still did not work.
New switch tested good.
With switch wires hot wired lights worked.
With Switch wires connected to switch and switch not in transmission, holding the switch in my hand
I push the contact on the switch with my thumb, the lights worked.

So I came to the conclusion that whatever it is in the transmission that makes contact with the switch
Is either broken or wore out.

So at this point I just said the heck with it and wired the lights up to a toggle switch in the dash that was no longer used that had been installed by the P.O.
Been running it this way since.

I plan on rebuilding or replacing my transmission in the near future so I will try to get the factory switch setup working then and will post an update if I do.

Re: Backup lights not working
 

Thanks for the update. And now we know this can happen, which is really helpful