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72 Cutlass Reverse lights not coming on in reverse
Hey guys, I’m having trouble trying to figure out what part I need and how to install fixing my reverse light issues. When my vehicle is in reverse it does not turn the lower half of my steering wheel column to illuminate my reverse lights. I have to manually turn the column as I back up for the lights to come on. I was told that I needed a part called a reverse lockout. I’m not sure if that is correct and if it is how to install the device. Thank you.
I am guessing you have a console shift vehicle.
It sounds as if the backdrive linkage is either missing or needs to be adjusted. The backdrive linkage is a series of rods that make a connection between the lever on the drivers side of the transmission and the collar on the steering column so that when the transmission is shifted to the various positions the collar on the steering column turns to the appropriate position. This movement turns on the reverse lights when in R and locks the steering column when in P.
This is the best drawing I could find for it in a quick search: