1986 Civic Reverse Switch Broken?

[1986DXOwner]

Hey HF,

 

Yesterday I noticed that when I pop my 5-speed honda into reverse, the reverse lights dont actually turn on. Originally I figured, "Oh, its just the bulbs". So I tested them and they were working just fine. Now I'm puzzled. I am assuming that there is a switch somewhere near the transmission that controls the lights. But I have no idea where to look for it, and where I might get a new one.

 

If anyone has any advice, it would be greatly appreciated!

[Xeryon]

My totally random guess is that the lights come on via toggle switch inside the shifter itself. Alas, I really have no idea, if it were me that is where I would check first if I didn't know otherwise.

[1986DXOwner]

I forgot to include that when I popped the shifter into reverse, and I wiggled the stick around a bit, I could get the lights to flicker, like it was making some form of contact.

[Xeryon]

Well, obviously I was correct in my completely inexperienced random guess. Sounds like there is a toggle in the shifter itself.

[airjordan223]

Yeah just take the boot/trim off and have yourself a looksee.

[1986DXOwner]

Yeah just take the boot/trim off and have yourself a looksee.

 

I removed the boot and didnt see anything more than the stick.

[Xeryon]

By boot that would be the seal around the shifter base, not the interior trim material. And it is quite possible you will need to disassemble much of the shifter assembly to get to that toggle. This is one repair where the service manual would be very helpful.