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Backup Lights Turn On In Neutral 2001 Silverado 2500

gtschultz1013

By gtschultz1013
in Ask A GM Technician

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gtschultz1013 New Member

gtschultz1013

Posted
Posted

2001 Silverado 2500HD - just got the truck, has a few tweaks here and there that I am finding out about. The backup lights turn on in neutral, not reverse. Tranny seems to be shifting fine, just the lights not going on when they should. Any ideas...? Have read a few forums and it might be a backup light or neutral switch...??? Any help would be greatly appreciated!! thanks...!!!

bill190 Enthusiast

bill190

Posted
Posted

For this problem, a factory service manual set comes in REAL handy!

 

The service manual will show you the location of the backup switch and how to adjust it.

 

I don't know about your specific model, but on previous GM models, there is a curved white plastic switch which is a combined backup and park/neutral switch located on the steering column near the firewall.

 

This can be adjusted by gently moving the switch to the left or right (it clicks). A good way to do this is line up a mirror in the back of the vehicle so you can see the backup lights with your head on the floor near the parking brake (so you can reach the switch with your hand). Then turn ignition switch to on (don't start vehicle), apply parking brake and if on hill place chocks under wheels. Then place in reverse. Then adjust switch so light comes on in reverse.

 

But again I don't know if your vehicle has this switch in the same location?

 

On non-GM vehicles these switches are many times mounted on the transmission. And then there can be several switches mounted on a transmission. Thus the need to use a factory service manual set for your specific year so you can find the *right* switch and adjust it properly.

gtschultz1013 New Member

gtschultz1013

Posted
  • Author
Posted
For this problem, a factory service manual set comes in REAL handy!

 

The service manual will show you the location of the backup switch and how to adjust it.

 

I don't know about your specific model, but on previous GM models, there is a curved white plastic switch which is a combined backup and park/neutral switch located on the steering column near the firewall.

 

This can be adjusted by gently moving the switch to the left or right (it clicks). A good way to do this is line up a mirror in the back of the vehicle so you can see the backup lights with your head on the floor near the parking brake (so you can reach the switch with your hand). Then turn ignition switch to on (don't start vehicle), apply parking brake and if on hill place chocks under wheels. Then place in reverse. Then adjust switch so light comes on in reverse.

 

But again I don't know if your vehicle has this switch in the same location?

 

On non-GM vehicles these switches are many times mounted on the transmission. And then there can be several switches mounted on a transmission. Thus the need to use a factory service manual set for your specific year so you can find the *right* switch and adjust it properly.

gtschultz1013 New Member

gtschultz1013

Posted
  • Author
Posted

thank you for the quick reply!! i will give this a shot this weekend...

 

For this problem, a factory service manual set comes in REAL handy!

 

The service manual will show you the location of the backup switch and how to adjust it.

 

I don't know about your specific model, but on previous GM models, there is a curved white plastic switch which is a combined backup and park/neutral switch located on the steering column near the firewall.

 

This can be adjusted by gently moving the switch to the left or right (it clicks). A good way to do this is line up a mirror in the back of the vehicle so you can see the backup lights with your head on the floor near the parking brake (so you can reach the switch with your hand). Then turn ignition switch to on (don't start vehicle), apply parking brake and if on hill place chocks under wheels. Then place in reverse. Then adjust switch so light comes on in reverse.

 

But again I don't know if your vehicle has this switch in the same location?

 

On non-GM vehicles these switches are many times mounted on the transmission. And then there can be several switches mounted on a transmission. Thus the need to use a factory service manual set for your specific year so you can find the *right* switch and adjust it properly.

 

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