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By 55 GLASS TOP - 6 Years Ago
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Hello can someone tell me where the reverse light switch is located on a 1955 Ford Fairlanr with an automatic transmission . Thank you
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By Dave C - 6 Years Ago
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I understand it is part of the neutral start switch. The only thing I have seen listed is for a 57 Ford which are the same.
Dave
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By oldcarmark - 6 Years Ago
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It is part of the Neutral Start Switch on the Steering column above the Box.If U don't have backup Lights there are only 2 Wires and 2 unused Terminals. The 2 Terminals would have Wires for Backup Lights.The Switch is available now as a Repro Part. 55-57 take the same Switch.
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By bergmanj - 6 Years Ago
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It IS part of the Neutral Start switch; it's mounted in the engine compartment onto the steering column near the driver's exhaust manifold & about 6" ,or so, away from the firewall. Steering column has a mounting bracket onto which that switch mounts and is somewhat adjustable for the linkage when shift lever is in neutral for start - and, backup lights for reverse (some "fiddling" may be required for both to work correctly).
Though it does mechanically "fit" correctly, the '57 switch has different connectors than the '55 (as I found out when trying to replace my '55 with a '57 in order to obtain "start" in "Park", too); so, if not using an original design, you'll probably need to make some changes to the connectors on the connecting wire ends.
Hope this helps you or others.
Regards, JLB
Edit: Interesting OLDCARMARK (I apparently was in process of posting when you were!), that it sounds as if your switch was fully compatible; as, the NOS one I have has different connectors -- oh well -- maybe another "Ford" thing.
OLDCARMARK: I stand corrected - apparently the switch sold to me as a '57 was actually a '58!!! This forum has so much good, detailed, and helpful information!
p.s., I modified my original '55 for stat in PARK, also; it's very difficult and detail-oriented - If you can by an upgraded one, i'd recommend it over the modification (mod. is good - just took a LOT of valuable time).
Thanks for the information - regards, JLB
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By 55 GLASS TOP - 6 Years Ago
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Yes I also have the later switch because I wanted the car to start in park. I never realized the switch also took care of the reverse lights . I never took the car apart when I got it, it was in pieces so now I know thanks to all .
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By oldcarmark - 6 Years Ago
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bergmanj (12/4/2018)
It IS part of the Neutral Start switch; it's mounted in the engine compartment onto the steering column near the driver's exhaust manifold & about 6" ,or so, away from the firewall. Steering column has a mounting bracket onto which that switch mounts and is somewhat adjustable for the linkage when shift lever is in neutral for start - and, backup lights for reverse (some "fiddling" may be required for both to work correctly). Though it does mechanically "fit" correctly, the '57 switch has different connectors than the '55 (as I found out when trying to replace my '55 with a '57 in order to obtain "start" in "Park", too); so, if not using an original design, you'll probably need to make some changes to the connectors on the connecting wire ends. Hope this helps you or others. Regards, JLB Edit: Interesting OLDCARMARK (I apparently was in process of posting when you were!), that it sounds as if your switch was fully compatible; as, the NOS one I have has different connectors -- oh well -- maybe another "Ford" thing.
The Switch that Starts in "Park" is the 1958 Switch. Looks the same as 57 but has an extra internal Connection to start in Park. One Terminal is different from the 55-57 Wire but easy to change. I have done a couple of these. I wish they would repop the 58 Switch as the Originals have gotten Pricey because its become common Knowledge that they fit 55-57 and are better than Original Switch. When used to activate Backup Lights the Power Wire from Ignition Switch goes on One Terminal and the Wire from other Terminal goes to Backup Lights.
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By paul2748 - 6 Years Ago
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In 55-57 TBirds, the power to the backup light switch comes from the light switch. The back up light, originally, only worked when the parking or headlights were on. While I don't know for sure, I think the sedans were wired the same way, but a sedan owner can clear this up..
A lot of the TBird owners moved the power wire to a source that was live all the time so the lights would go on anytime the car was put into reverse.
And oldcarmark is correct - the 58 neutral safety/backup light switch was the first to start the car in park
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By oldcarmark - 6 Years Ago
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On my 56 the Ignition switch must be on for the Backup Lights to work.
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By oldcarmark - 6 Years Ago
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If anyone is looking to update their Neutral Switch so it starts in Park also there is a Listing on Ebay at a fair Price and the Switches look pretty Pristine. He has 3 available. I bought One for my Friends 56. These fit 55, 56, and 57 Passenger Cars. Not Thunderbird. Start in Neutral and Park and no One can tell the Difference just by Appearance. Item # 223260125175.
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By bergmanj - 6 Years Ago
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OLDCARMARK, thanks; see edits in my post above.
Regards, JLB
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