Backup Lamp Switch Function

The most obvious symptom of a bad neutral safety switch is when you can crank the engine in any gear.

Backup lamp switch function.

The backup light switch is similar in that it is also an on off switch. The backup light switch mounts on the side of the manual transmission on your 2008 dodge ram 1500. If the engine is running you will be able to crank it again too. If you have an automatic transmission the transmission range sensor handles the function of the backup lights in lieu of a switch.

In the on position the switch allows current to flow from the pink wire this is the 12 volt power source to the backup lights when the gear selector is placed in reverse. If it s bad replace it. If the contacts in the switch are worn or have failed then this may cause the lights to function intermittently. A backup light switch screws into the transmission and is triggered when you shift the vehicle into reverse.

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. 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. This could lead to a serious car accident if this happens while you re driving. Reverse lights function intermittently.

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

There is no adjustment for the backup light switch and no way to repair it.