'01 SE Back-up light issues...

As referenced with the title of this thread, I own a 2001 SE1. I've discovered several issues with this car due to the previous owner, and have managed to remedy many of those 'problems.' However, there is one thing that I am clueless how to fix.

My back-up lights won't turn on when the car is in reverse.

Now, I have pulled both rear light assemblies from the car to check the bulbs... they're fine, I even put in new ones since I had some available. However, the problem persists. I'm assuming the problem might be the neutral/backup switch... So, here's my questions...

Is my problem the backup switch? Could it be something else I'm not aware of? And, should it be the switch, where is it located, and is this something I could try, or should I take it to a professional?

Thank you in advance for your help!

Welcome to the forums,

When you checked the lightbulbs, did you check the contacts as well? These year g/a's have a tendancy to get water in the tailights causing the contacts to rust and not work properly. You may want to double check that first and see, and file off some of the rust ( if any). It's possible to be the neutral safety switch it would cause the same effect. One way to test this is trying to start the car while in a gear such as reverse or drive. If you are able to start the car, then you know that would be the problem. I'm not 100% sure on were the switch is located and how hard it is to replace. most of the time they are located right on the tranny, it's just a matter of were and how hard is it to get to. Hope this helps some.

Welcome to AF !

Sounds like it might be your Park/Neutral postion(PNP) switch.

-The switch is located on the top of the trany.
-Make sure the shift cable is adjusted properly.

-Now check to see if thiers power at the switch.
Using a voltmeter test the pink(+) with the ignition key on, if thiers no power check the "back-up lamps, shift Interlock" Fuse under the hood, # 42 I think. If its good check the circuit to the switch.

-If voltage is available with the shifter in park,
check the top light green wire terminal at the switch.
If no voltage try adjusting the switch. If that doesnt work replace the switch.

- Next place car in reverse and check the voltage on the lower light green wire in the connector. If no voltage try adjusting, if that doesnt work replace the switch.

Though, adjusting the switch is tricky, I can post that later if needed.

I'll try and find a pick of the switch connector.

Thanks so much for the replies and welcoming comments...

Grfnkl, I did actually find some rust when I originally checked the bulbs, and I did file it off. I'll be replacing those assemblies soon, so that won't be a future issue.

Xero, I don't have a voltmeter myself, but I do know someone who does, I'll have to suck up to him and borrow/steal it. (What did you mean about the shift cable being adjusted properly?) You commented that the switch is located on the top of the trany... how do I best get to the switch? And, when you say to adjust the switch, do you mean wiggling it around, trying to create a connection?

Sorry for my naivete, I'm just starting to develop my automotive know-how, and I am completely unfamiliar with Grand Am's. But again, thanks so much for your replies!

Thanks so much for the replies and welcoming comments...

Grfnkl, I did actually find some rust when I originally checked the bulbs, and I did file it off. I'll be replacing those assemblies soon, so that won't be a future issue.

Xero, I don't have a voltmeter myself, but I do know someone who does, I'll have to suck up to him and borrow/steal it. (What did you mean about the shift cable being adjusted properly?) You commented that the switch is located on the top of the trany... how do I best get to the switch? And, when you say to adjust the switch, do you mean wiggling it around, trying to create a connection?

Sorry for my naivete, I'm just starting to develop my automotive know-how, and I am completely unfamiliar with Grand Am's. But again, thanks so much for your replies!

As Grfnkl said make sure the tail light housing assembly is not shorted out and causing them not to work. I hav replaced these lights because they were to bad to fix.

Next check that fuse !
If they shorted out the fuse should blow.
Then test that park/neutral switch.:grinyes:

I didnt post the directions on how to adjust the cable because thats probly not whats wrong with your 01'.
its very much a PITA to do, having never adjusted one before.

Chances are your park/neutral switch is bad from the short(if that fuse wasnt blown).
This is what controls your back up lights.

Heres a pic.
To locate the PNP, standing on the driverside look down next to the fuse box, past the throtle body/air intake.
You will see a red cap to the left, thats the trans fill, to the right(rear of car) you will see the shift lever and PNP switch.

PNP plug lever (http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c242/xeroinfinity/auto%20odds-ends/PNPpluglever.jpg)
#1 park/neutral postion switch
#2 Shift lever
#3 shift cable
#4 PNP wiring harness connector

PNP shiftlever (http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c242/xeroinfinity/auto%20odds-ends/PNPshiftlever.jpg)

Adjusting the PNP switch involves removing it, and reseting the pin with in the unit to neutral.
Not something that should be done be a novice, its a safty issue, and without proper instructions.


-Shifter cable adjustment

Detach the cable from the manual lever on the transaxle.
Place the manual lever on the transaxle in the Neutral position.
To do this rotate the lever clockwise from the park position through reverse and into neutral.

Place the shift lever inside the car into neutral.
To adjust you need to pull on the cable adjuster tab at the cable bracket on the trans axle.
Then connect the cable to the manual lever on the transaxle. The cable will automaticly adjust its self. Push the adjuster tab back into place.
Hope that was everything :eek:

Good Luck