[DML] backing up

["Warren Wallingford" <warren@xxxxxxxxxx>]

Nick called from the desert today wanting to know where the back-up switch was.  On his five-speed it's on the LH side of the transmission case, not rigged to the shift linkage the way he thought.  It's an easy fix, I told him.  Put the wires back where they're supposed to be or change the switch out.  Use a 7/8" wrench.  The wires go one on either blade.  Piece-o-cake.  

After we hung up, it occured to me that the automatic isn't so easy to explain or fix.  On the A/T, the back up lights are controlled by the multi-function switch, which is part of the comparator governor.  The multifunction switch is the cone-shaped end of one of the cables and plugs into the transmission just above the pan on the passenger's side.  It's held in place by a C-shaped clip that is bolted to the case by two small cap screws.  This clip has two little fingers that mate with a tab on the body of the multi-function switch.  They hold the switch in the proper 'clock' position so that the linkage inside the transmission will push the correct button on the switch. If the switch is cocked the wrong way just a liilte bit, the reverse lights won't come on.  It has happened that a forever nameless mechanic had not put this all together quite right once when changing a governor.  He was fortunate enough to notice before the car moved off the hoist that the backup lights didn't work after he finished the installation.  That's where his luck ran out.  He did NOT remember that the hole into which the multifunction switch is plugged is below the normal level of fluid in the pan.  Muttering about forgetfulness, he whipped out the nasty little screws and grabbed the switch to re-position it.  That's when a tedious and greasy job just got more tedious and much more greasy.  It's not often that a mechanic has to change clothes in the middle of the day, but change he did, rather than wear a pint and a half of Dexron ll all afternoon.  

The lesson here is not so much memory, but sequence.  Check the back-up lights BEFORE you top the tranny up.  If they don't work, you won't waste fluid or worse, wear it.

Parts you may need if your reverse lights are out.
http://www.usadmc.com/dmcstore/ViewPart.asp?PID=1626&Qty=1&ShowCart=true
http://www.usadmc.com/dmcstore/ViewPart.asp?PID=1268&Qty=1&ShowCart=true
http://www.usadmc.com/dmcstore/ViewPart.asp?PID=2629&Qty=1&ShowCart=true

Warren Wallingford
DeLorean Motor Company (Texas)
15023 Eddie Drive
Humble, Texas 77396 USA

http://www.delorean.com
800/USA-DMC1
281/441-2537
281/441-2813 Fax

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