DodgeForum.com - Reverse lights don't work

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Reverse lights don't work

I have a 98 durango that had a gear shift cable problem. I took it to the dealer and they installed a new one, about 6 months ago. This is my wife's car so I did not check it out. Now the reverse lights do not work. So I have a Chilton fake car manual that shows an electrical diagram with a fuse (fuse #2), the backup light switch and the reverse light bulbs as the only thing in the circuit. I have checked the fuse. Replaced the bulbs and the safety neutral switch. The reverse lights still do not work. I have not replaced the 1 1/2 to 2 quarts of ATF that came out, but did not think that it would be an issue. The only other thing that I have noticed is that I cannot shift the car into 1st gear manually, it will go from park through the other gears even though it is not lined up exactly on the dash (orange indicator). In drive it shifts through all the gears normally. I am not sure if there is an adjustment on the gear shift cable (even though it only starts in Park and Neutral), or if the 2 quarts of fluid would actually make a difference with all the parts being new. Any help here would be great. Thanks in advance.
Jerry

1. Replace the fluid lost.
2. There is an adjustment for the instrument cluster shift location (orange indicator) back in place. It is located under the dash to the drivers side of the steering column. It is white in color. First set the cable adjustment below:

(1) Shift transmission into Park.
(2) Release cable adjuster lock (underneath the
power brake booster) (Fig. 249) to unlock cable.
(3) Raise vehicle.
(4) Slide cable eyelet off transmission shift lever.
(5) Verify transmission shift lever is in Park
detent by moving lever fully rearward. Last rearward
detent is Park position.
(6) Verify positive engagement of transmission
park lock by attempting to rotate propeller shaft.
Shaft will not rotate when park lock is engaged.
(7) Slide cable eyelet onto transmission shift lever.
(8) Lower vehicle and check engine starting.
Engine should start only in Park and Neutral.
(9) Lock shift cable by pressing cable adjuster

clamp down until it snaps into place.

What is (fig. 249)? I will need it because I have no idea how it comes apart.

Heres a pic attached:

Hydrashocker,
I have replaced the ATF, and adjusted the cable so the vehicle goes from 1st through drive when shifted manually. I have adjusted the in dash portion of the gear shift indicator as well. Still I have no reverse lights. Just wondering if you have any other ideas?
Thanks,
Jerry

The reverse switch is located near the trans linkage.

SWITCH TEST

To test the switch, remove the wiring connector.
Test for continuity between the center terminal and
the transmission case. Continuity should exist only
when the transmission is in PARK or NEUTRAL.
Shift the transmission into REVERSE and test
continuity at the switch outer terminals. Continuity
should exist only when the transmission is in
REVERSE. Continuity should not exist between the
outer terminals and the case.
Check gearshift linkage adjustment before replacing

a switch that tests faulty.

Okay, with your help I have checked everything and now have reverse lights. Thanks a ton. Now my last question would be with the dash off how is the adjustment performed on the indicator that shows what gear I'm in? Thanks again for the help, Hydrashocker.

Under the drivers side dash board. On the drivers side of the steering column half way up is a little white adjuster. You simply turn this adjuster to move the orange indicator into the window opening for the correct gearing on the instrument cluster.

Attachment 97649

Attachment 97650

Oh hell ya! Thanks Hydrashocker.