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By Yianni - Last Month
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Hello,
Looking for guidance / instruction on reverse lamp lights not working. As far as I can tell in my wiring diagram I don't have the switch? On the diagram in my WSM it should be located in the engine bay? Or is the switch located inside the steering column. (Should mention it's column shifter).
Maybe even a photo of ford passenger so I can get an idea of what to look for. Part numbers?
Thanks.
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By Ted - Last Month
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With an automatic transmission, the ’55 Ford backup light switch is located on the steering column in the engine bay just above the steering box. On the standard transmission cars, the switch is located by the shifter linkage at the transmission. Here’s a picture of the switch on a ’55 Ford originally equipped with an automatic tranny.
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By KULTULZ - Last Month
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What model year?
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By Yianni - Last Month
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Kultulz ,
It's a 1955 Lincoln Capri.
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By Yianni - Last Month
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Probably should have asked this as well..
Is the neutral switch part of that mechanism?
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By KULTULZ - Last Month
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Naturally, I have all but a 55 LINC PARTS MANUAL.
I think the PN is FDK 15827-B but cannot confirm.
Here are two LINC PARTS SOURCES -
PARTS - LINC-MERC | Lincoln Mercury Old Parts Store
PARTS - LINC | Lincoln Land
Let the FORUM know what you came up with.
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By MplsMike - Last Month
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I don’t know if your Lincoln is anything like my ‘56 Ford Parklane but I’m pretty sure my reverse lights only work with the headlights on, in case you haven’t tried that.
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By mjs - Last Month
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I'm not sure if it's the same but on the 56 and 57's it's on the steering column under the dash. Two of the wires are to allow it to start when in neutral and the other two are for the lamps when in reverse.
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By Yianni - Last Month
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Really wish I knew this information.
Found out a little too late.
Correct it is located on the steering column. I did my research and found this below.
Never assume as I've always started the car in neutral because that's how I thought it worked. Or did I.
 
Correct the "park lights" need to be on for the reverse lights to work and also be in reverse yay I have lights.
Really shit thing happened though, reverse was engaged whilst I was out of the car, window open I put my hand through the window and hit the starter button... Car Rolled and nearly pinned me up against the shelf as I hadn't engaged the hand brake all the way allowing the car to move although quite slowly my reaction was shock rather than action, only moved a meter or so but enough to cause the door to open slightly more ajar than normal so now I need to learn to adjust that as it got jammed up on the shelf.
At least I'm not hurt but F me I never would have expected the car to start in reverse or drive.
So I'm guessing I need to trace where these wires are connected now and figure out this neutral safety now.
If anyone knows where the cables lead to much appreciated.
And hopefully someone will learn from my mistake.
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By mjs - Last Month
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I'd start by pulling the switch and taking a look under it. It may simply be shorting out underneath allowing it to start. Unbolt it and see if it cranks. If it does it's a wiring issue. The switch setup is really quite simple. Pics from a spare column that I have.
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By Yianni - Last Month
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I removed the wires from that neutral switch and car still started in gear (was in the car this time) so I thought it's time to remove the dash.
Remove the radio first and it's quite easy to get under and then remove the dash insert panel. Remember it's not the stud far to the right that you cant for the life get a 3/8 socket on.. it's not that.
Anyway.
Found this wrapped up and tucked away in a lot of electrical tape. Something I need to fix maybe. 🤔
I believe the blue red tracer that has snapped is what caused the previous owner to bypass the neutral switch.
Just not sure where on the starter button switch I'll put it but I'll figure it out.
What are those weird housings the wires are in?
Thanks for help all!
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By KULTULZ - Last Month
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... the previous owner to bypass the neutral switch.
Might be a good idea to remove the battery cables until you sort it out.
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By miker - Last Month
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I understand you’re trying to get up and running, and don’t want to add to worry or work load. But I’m seeing some pretty badly frayed and deteriorating old wiring there, in keeping with the age of the car. The more you move it, the worse it will get. Just be aware, keep an eye on it, and tape as necessary.
But put new wiring on your list sooner rather than later. There’s a variety or ways to go, from restoration to modern. Your car, plans, time, money. Start another thread when you get to that point.
Nice project. The first family car I really remember is a 54 Capri my Dad bought in 55. Still have a soft spot for those. Still remember catching hell, playing with the power windows with my brother and tripping either the fuse or the thermal cut out.
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