78 308 GTS backup light switch access

Hey guys
I think I have to replace the backup light switch and am wondering how to access it. I know it screws into the front of the shift linkage casting in the front console area but am unsure how to get at it. I don't want to start tearing things apart without knowing what I'm doing.

Thanks
Barry

 

On my 1982 308GTSi the center console needs to be lifted up to access it. Not sure on your year.

 

Thanks for you reply

Can the center console be raised enough to access the backup light switch without disconnecting the switches, cables or E brake in the center console?

Procedure would be.
1. Remove seats.
2. Remove shifter gate screws.
3. Remove Ash Tray screws. (not sure about this one)
4. Remove center console hold down screws. (both front and rear parts of console)
5 Remove front center console. (in front of shifter)
6. Lift front of rear console to access backup light switch.

 

I think #1 and #2 are optional. I think I'd do #5 first, then #3 is what holds that whole panel in place, then #4. From there I think you could lift the front and get to the switch. Probably need to block the front of the console up to have enough hands. For sure you could pull the wires off of the switch at this point, short them, and make sure you're replacing the right component. There will probably be a bit of sitting on your head or other yoga poses no matter what.

 

I replaced my backup light switch in 2014 and don’t recall needing to remove nearly that much stuff (‘83 QV).

Remove the front console and see if you can see the front of the switch. Remove the shift knob and shift gate and see if you can see the backup light lock nut. If you can access the front and back of the switch you can change it.

 

Thanks

 

Got it changed this morning Didn't have to pull seats and managed not to disconnect any switch connectors when raising the console. The problem was a jammed switch, which I couldn't free up, so I put the new one in. Someone had disconnected one of the connectors, otherwise the BU lights would be on all the time, prior to me owning it so apparently they haven't worked since before 1980. ( I never noticed but then again they are not very bright).

I did have a weird problem in after installing the new bu sw the dash turn indicator lights didn't work but all the other dash lights worked and the exterior lights blinked as normal. So I checked the switch connectors in the center console and all looked good and everything worked. Of course I checked the fuses "just because" and again all looked good. At that point I was ready to through in the towel but I wanted to check the fast idle linkage (carb car) to insure I hadn't screwed any thing up.

Here's the strange (at least to me) part. Years ago I put a jumper on the seat fuel pump circuit so the pump will run with no one in the seat. It just makes it a lot easier when working on the engine with a remote starter switch and I use it as an anti theft device by removing the jumper when I park the car. I removed the jumper while working on the electrical as I had to turn the ignition on to test things and didn't want the fuel pump running.

I installed the jumper so I could run the engine to check the fast idle and low and behold the turn indicator dash lights started working. One thing I will say about the 308 GTS (US) is it's got some strange wiring. I never for the life of me never imagined the fuel pump circuit would interact with the dash turn indicator lights!!

Anyway its all balloons an lollipops again.

Thanks for you help.

Barry