backup lights on in park

[Mr.Chrysler]

monday I was letting my '68 Imperial warm up,before I backed it out for the windshield installer,
and I noticed that the backup lights were on.the car was in park. what would be causing this?

[Old Hippie]

Position switch adjustment

I think the backup light switch is on the bottom of the steering column -- with the column shift linkage making the switch when the transmission selector is in reverse. It is just and adjustment. Put the shifter lever in reverse -- and adjust the switch to make, but disengage in Park and Neutral.

[Mr.Chrysler]

ok,thanks. I'll out that on the list of things to do during it's winter resto

is this position switch on the column, or on the trans linkage ?

[Old Hippie]

I think on a 68 Imperial, it is mounted at the bottom of the column, and the switch is made by the cam action of the shifter linkage coming though the bottom of the column. Stick your head down there and move the shifter -- and you'll see the linkage movement -- and will find a switch that has it position adjust slightly so that it is actuated when the shifter is in the reverse position.

[Mr.Chrysler]

thanks OH!!
have a Merry Christmas!!!

[Cranky]

Also keep in mind that Chrysler's transmissions do not pump fluid to the front seal while in park. It's a good idea to start up and idle in neutral especially if it's been sitting for awhile. That's also why it says to check fluid level hot and in neutral. You'll get a false reading if in park....

[Mr.Chrysler]

Originally Posted by Cranky

Also keep in mind that Chrysler's transmissions do not pump fluid to the front seal while in park. It's a good idea to start up and idle in neutral especially if it's been sitting for awhile. That's also why it says to check fluid level hot and in neutral. You'll get a false reading if in park....

I've known about that for a long time sometimes I have to remind myself when I check the fluid on any Chrysler that I've owned in the past

[MaxWedge]

The front seal is one of the few places that does get lubed in Park, as long as the engine is running the pump is turning and the seal is just in front of the pump bushing.