1986 Chevy PU Reverse Lights Dont Work

You may want to try this: check the under-belly of the steering column... there's a device [with AUTO transmission--don't know about manual trans] that engages the back-up lights; it's white in color, and can be moved manually to check for alignment. After buying my '86 Silverado, my back-ups didn't work either... I checked bulbs, wiring, etc.--everything was good, so I went inside the cab. Checked fuses, wiring, etc.--everything good. Next, I found device on steering column, and it seems OK. While checking, I accidentally moved it a couple of "notches", (thought I'd broken the damn thing) and the lights came on--I've had no problems since. BTW... it's in a location that's easy to bump/kick the thing, and knock it out of position/alignment--no doubt what happened to mine.

thanks for everyones replies,

the turn signals work fine, it has the 3 speed automatic transmission, i assume a turbo 350

Do you have a wiring harness for a trailer

Mine stopped working and I found that the wiring harness for the trailer was causing the problem. Marc

backup switch is usually mounted on steering colunm at fire wall. I'd get a test light and see if you have power coming out of it first. make sure ign. sw. is on and you have it in reverse.

i found the switch, switch is at fault, i put a jumper wire connecting the two terminals and the reverse lights worked, the switch wasnt mounted down at all and just laying up there, what is used to mount it down?? i think i found where it goes on the steering column but i am not for sure.....