Reverse Light Issue

[lwr199]

I have an 86 K10 with a reverse light problem. My reverse lights only work when holding the shifter between Reverse and Park. I read a couple forums about adjusting the neutral switch, but I am still having problems. When I started adjusting the switch, the adjustment was almost all the way counterclockwise. I can adjust the switch a couple clicks in Reverse and I can shift from every gear to Reverse and the lights work correctly, but as soon as I shift into Park the adjustment resets. I've adjust the switch in small increments from almost all the way counterclockwise to almost all the way clockwise and the switch seems to auto adjust when I place the transmission back in park. I've also never had any issues with starting the truck in Park or Neutral even though I've went through 90% of the switch adjustment. The ratcheting mechanism is strong on the switch, so I would be surprised if it is moving when I shift into Park. Does anyone have any insight into this? Should I replace the switch and if so anyone have any tips on removing the clip in style switch without creating a nightmare?

 

[73c20jim]

Just so I understand, where is the NSS you are adjusting?

 

[lwr199]

Base of the steering column.

 

[73c20jim]

OK. How are you adjusting it?

 

[73c20jim]

I just realized you have an 86 and mine is a 73 and are probably different.

Mine required an .093 (I believe) drill bit to line up the NSS in neutral or park, placing the shifter in neutral or park (same for both). And then lining them up together.

Like I said, yours may be different.

 

[lwr199]

I put the truck in reverse and move the ratcheting half moon shaped portion of the switch a couple clicks clockwise until the lights are working in reverse. Then I can shift back and forth from neutral, drive, 2nd, 1st, to reverse and the lights work as they should, but as soon as I shift into park and shift back in reverse the lights don't work again. It's as if the adjustment I make is reset when shifting into park. I have moved through most of the available adjustment using this procedure (one or two clicks at a time) and no matter where the position of the switch is in reverse with the lights working, if I shift into park and back into reverse the lights don't work unless i pull up on the shifter.

 

[73c20jim]

See my last post. Maybe the NSS is busted. Sorry, that's the best I can do. In Reference section, you can download manual on proper alignment procedure.

 

[lwr199]

Thanks. I'll take a look at the reference library, I am trying to avoid replacing the switch because it is a clip in style that I'm going to have to fight with to remove, but I also leaning towards something being broken in the switch.

 

[Charlie]

 

[KDizzle]

I have an 86 K10 with a reverse light problem. My reverse lights only work when holding the shifter between Reverse and Park. I read a couple forums about adjusting the neutral switch, but I am still having problems. When I started adjusting the switch, the adjustment was almost all the way counterclockwise. I can adjust the switch a couple clicks in Reverse and I can shift from every gear to Reverse and the lights work correctly, but as soon as I shift into Park the adjustment resets. I've adjust the switch in small increments from almost all the way counterclockwise to almost all the way clockwise and the switch seems to auto adjust when I place the transmission back in park. I've also never had any issues with starting the truck in Park or Neutral even though I've went through 90% of the switch adjustment. The ratcheting mechanism is strong on the switch, so I would be surprised if it is moving when I shift into Park. Does anyone have any insight into this? Should I replace the switch and if so anyone have any tips on removing the clip in style switch without creating a nightmare?

Having a very similar issue with same type of NSS on my 86 K5 (auto). Just had steering column rebuilt. Now I cannot get reverse lights to activate when I shift into reverse. They come on in park or between P and R when I adjust NSS...best I can do. Replaced NSS with new one, same issue. I did not have this issue prior to steering column rebuild.

I know it’s a long shot, but did you find a solution to your issue?

 

[Goldie Driver]

If it is the ratcheting style I remember the trick being to put the column and truck in low and rotating the ratchet part of the switch full stop clockwise. When you go back to park it automatically adjusts. This style would be all plastic and snap in place on the column not using the 2 small bolt head screws.

Like this one in the link.

1981 & Up C10 K10 C1500 K1500 Neutral Safety Switch New

ITEM DESCRIPTION THE NEUTRAL SAFETY SWITCH / REVERSE LIGHT SWITCH FOR SALE IS NEW.MOUNTED AT THE BOTTOM OF THE STEERING COLUMN. OEM PART NUMBERS: 15679679, 15679680, 15685960, 15705308 FITS THE FOLLOWING VEHICLES: BUICK 1978–1984 • Century1977–1987 • Electra1980 • Estate Wagon1978–1989 •...

prosteeringcolumn.com

 

[KDizzle]

If it is the ratcheting style I remember the trick being to put the column and truck in low and rotating the ratchet part of the switch full stop clockwise. When you go back to park it automatically adjusts. This style would be all plastic and snap in place on the column not using the 2 small bolt head screws.

Like this one in the link.

1981 & Up C10 K10 C1500 K1500 Neutral Safety Switch New

ITEM DESCRIPTION THE NEUTRAL SAFETY SWITCH / REVERSE LIGHT SWITCH FOR SALE IS NEW.MOUNTED AT THE BOTTOM OF THE STEERING COLUMN. OEM PART NUMBERS: 15679679, 15679680, 15685960, 15705308 FITS THE FOLLOWING VEHICLES: BUICK 1978–1984 • Century1977–1987 • Electra1980 • Estate Wagon1978–1989 •...

prosteeringcolumn.com

Thanks for the suggestion, Goldie! Yes, it’s the ratcheting style. Unfortunately, that didn’t work either.

I ended up removing the “stop point”on the top of the right side of switch to allow for more adjustment. That seemed to work. As of right now, I’ve got reverse lights in reverse.

Thanks again!

FYI: The two aftermarket switches I used and modified were from Standard.

 

[YakkoWarner]

When I had my column worked on the reverse light switch was way out of whack (didn't realize it until several days later) - I just had to trial and error it to find the right spot.