Reverse lights always on

[ColoradoCJ7]

I just installed a new set of rear tail lights and connected the 3 wires from the lights to the wiring harness according to the book. But now my reverse lights are always on.

Any suggestions on how to make them only come on when I am in reverse....I have now become that idiot with the reverse lights on in traffic....lol

I have a 84 CJ7 with AMC 258 i6 / 4.2l &T-5 Transmission .

 

[73CJ]

There should be a 2 pin switch on the Transmission . Power goes to the switch. When in reverse, the switch is closed sending power to the lights.

Did they work before the new installation?

If they did, it's not the switch, but wired wrong.

 

[ColoradoCJ7]

Previously one of the lights was broken and the other one did not have a bulb in the reverse light socket. So it should only get power when the Transmission is in reverse, but mine gets power all the time and is not effected when I put it in reverse. Maybe the Transmission unit was bypassed, I will have to get under there tomorrow. Do I remove the Transmission cover to find the switch or is it better viewed from below?

 

[Cheepjeep85]

Its easier to get to if you remove the cover

Sent from my DROID2

 

[Scooteryeti]

The switch on my T-5 was easy to get too. No cover in the way. I think I used a 3/4 socket and ratchet. It's on the left side of tranny in the middle under the driver seat.

 

[Cheepjeep85]

Thats good to know, I have a T-176 its directly on top and a bit of a pain in the rear to get to.

 

[73CJ]

A body lift helps access.

 

[phyrph0enix]

Mechanical switches are the easiest to test. There're usually 2 prongs and a button. The switch grounds itself. Just test for continuity across the prongs with and without the button pressed. Chances are, it's the switch, since your wiring quite obviously works. Also, I've seen jeeps around here with the light plate screwed on upside down- giving the impression that the R-lights are always on... The white parts goes up...

 

[83cj7]

Backup lights on mine didn't work when I got it. Replaced switch and they stayed on unless I put it in reverse,then off. Took 3 different sources to get the right switch.