Backup Lamp Switch Function

You could have the gear set to drive or reverse and still be able to crank it.

Backup lamp switch function.

In combined function installations the lamps produce brighter red light for the stop lamp function and dimmer red light for the rear position lamp function. Reverse lights function intermittently. This could lead to a serious car accident if this happens while you re driving. If the contacts in the switch are worn or have failed then this may cause the lights to function intermittently.

If you have an automatic transmission the transmission range sensor handles the function of the backup lights in lieu of a switch. Replacing a backup light switch is fairly straightforward if you know what the switch looks like and where to locate it on your vehicle. If the lamp lights up this means that there is no problem with the battery supply. If the switch is functioning normally a circuit is completed when the switch is triggered and the white lights in the tail lights will illuminate.

If it s bad replace it. The most obvious symptom of a bad neutral safety switch is when you can crank the engine in any gear. If the engine is running you will be able to crank it again too. A backup light switch screws into the transmission and is triggered when you shift the vehicle into reverse.

After putting the transmission in reverse unplug the electrical connector attached to it and check it using a test light. Now reattach the switch to the connector and check the connector again with the test light. Intermittent functionality of the reverse lights is a symptom that the backup light switch may be having a problem. Regulations worldwide stipulate minimum intensity ratios between the bright stop and dim rear position modes so that a vehicle displaying rear position lamps will not be mistakenly interpreted as showing stop lamps and vice versa.

The backup light switch mounts on the side of the manual transmission on your 2008 dodge ram 1500.