Reverse lights switch problems

[83cj7]

Here we go. Bought a jeep that PO put a AMC 304 ,T-176 Transmission and Dana 300 in a 83 CJ7 . It was missing the harness that comes off the firewall to the 4WD indicator light and backup lights. I built a harness and replaced the backup switch. I now have 4WD light and my backup lights work in all gears except reverse. Put the shifter in reverse and the lights go off. The switch I ordered was for a 1979 T-176 . Seems to me that the switch is working opposite of how it should work. Any help would be great. Thanks

 

[mylittlecj5]

you got the wrong switch. but that can be fixed a number of ways. Using a relay to control the indicator...switching the ground and powers to the indicator...I'm sure there are others that can go into details on this, I'm just thinking off the top of my head.

Edit: does your switch have 2 or 3 wires coming out of it?

 

[83cj7]

The switch has 2 brass looking posts with small flat tops. I was also wondering if this tranny could have come from a Ford or something and they use a different switch. The switch is pretty simple,1 red hot wire in and a white/black tracer wire to the backup lights.

 

[mylittlecj5]

LOL I must have had indicators on the brain earlier...I meant the BU lights in my previous post.

I'd wire a relay thru the NO contacts to control the lights with that switch, myself...
And I'd wire a switch to the dash as an aux. control to have the BU lights come on if/when I need them to and the Transmission . isn't in reverse. Just make sure they are wired to ACC power, so they won't get accidentally left on and leave you with a dead battery.

 

[83cj7]

I know how to wire a relay the conventional way but how would I do it to power up without the 12v signal wire? That would also work to install my $4 alarm system (flashing led when key is in off position) Thanks.

 

[gillmore]

"install my $4 alarm system (flashing led when key is in off position)"

If you do this, I'd like to know how its done. I've got the light but don't want it on all the time.

Glen

 

[83cj7]

Got a bubby to tell me how to wire the relay. 5 pin relay is what I have. I tried this with my LED that has a flasher built into it.

85 pin-ground for the relay
86 pin-Acc or key on 12v
87A pin-to + side of LED
30 pin-12v battery or power with key off
87 pin-Not used
Ground other wire from LED (I will use the same ground for the relay)

With the key off the LED flashes and turns off with the key on. This will also fix my B/U lights problems except I'll use a Acc wire to power the relay.
Thanks goes to Mylittlecj5 for the idea

 

[mylittlecj5]

83cj7, I have to apologize for not getting back to ya on this...I tried to describe how to wire it off the top of my head and couldn't get it to come out right. Then I got busy with work and forgot about ya! LOL

I'm glad you got it figured out! thats what good friends are for!