Dodge Dart Back Up Light Switch Guide: 1963-1977
Getting your reverse lights working is a simple fix, but you need to know which switch to buy.
- Verify if your Dart has a manual or automatic transmission before ordering, as the switches are different.
- For automatics, determine if you need the 3-prong Neutral Safety Switch combo or a different switch for early models.
- Failure is common due to age; symptoms include lights not working, staying on, or working intermittently.
- Replacement is a simple DIY job for most owners, typically taking less than an hour.
Diagnosing a Bad Back Up Light Switch
When your reverse lights stop working, the switch is a common suspect. Before you buy a new one, check the easiest things first: the bulbs and the fuse. If those are good, the switch is the next logical part to test. Problems with the switch are usually simple.
- Lights Don't Turn On: This is the most common failure. The switch wears out internally and no longer completes the electrical circuit.
- Lights Stay On: Less common, but the switch can fail in the 'on' position, leaving your reverse lights on even when you're not in reverse. This can drain your battery and confuse other drivers.
- Lights Work Intermittently: If the lights flicker or only work when you wiggle the shifter, it could be a worn switch or a problem with the transmission linkage adjustment.
Automatic vs. Manual Transmission
It is critical to order the right switch. For most automatic transmission Darts ('69 and newer), you need the 3-prong Neutral Safety Switch that includes the back up light function. For manual transmission cars, you need a simpler 2-prong switch that fits on the side of the transmission. Early push-button automatic models used a different switch located under the dashboard. Always verify which transmission your Dart has before ordering.
Choosing the Right Aftermarket Switch
For a classic vehicle like the 1963-1977 Dart, new original "OEM" parts are no longer made. Your options are new aftermarket parts or very rare "New Old Stock" (NOS) parts. Aftermarket switches are affordable, widely available, and are the standard for most repairs.
Two common aftermarket brands you will find are Standard Ignition (Standard Motor Products) and Mcleod.
- Standard Ignition: This is a well-known brand that produces reliable, OE-quality replacement parts. For a daily driver or standard restoration, a Standard switch is a perfectly good choice that meets the original specifications.
- Mcleod: Mcleod is primarily known for performance drivetrain components. Their switches are often built to be more durable than standard replacements and are marketed as exceeding OEM specifications. If you have a high-performance build or simply want a heavy-duty part, Mcleod is a solid upgrade.
Cost of Replacing a Back Up Light Switch (1963-1977 Dodge Dart)
| Item | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| New Aftermarket Switch | $33 - $38 |
| Shop Labor | $65 - $100 |
| Total Estimated Cost | $98 - $138 |
Cost estimates are approximate. Labor costs are based on general estimates for a simple replacement and can vary by location.
Pro Tip: Easy DIY Replacement
Replacing the back up light switch is a job most DIY mechanics can handle in under an hour. The switch is located on the outside of the transmission. The process usually involves safely lifting the vehicle, unplugging the electrical connector, and using a wrench to unscrew the old switch and install the new one. No special tools are typically required.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
My reverse lights don't work. What should I check first?
Always start with the simplest solutions. Check the light bulbs first, then the fuse. If both are good, you can test the switch itself by using a jumper wire on the connector's two outer terminals (for 3-prong switches) to see if the lights come on. If they do, the switch is bad.
Is the back up light switch the same as the neutral safety switch?
On later automatic Darts (approx. 1969+), yes. The functions were combined into a single 3-prong switch located on the transmission. On manual transmission cars and very early automatics, they are separate parts.
Where is the back up light switch located?
For most models in this year range, it's screwed into the driver's side of the transmission case. On 4-speed manual transmissions, it's also on the transmission. On early push-button automatics, the switch was located under the dash and activated by the push-button assembly.
Are there any recalls for the Dodge Dart back up light switch?
No. There are no recalls or Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) from the NHTSA for the back up light switch on 1963-1977 Dodge Darts. Recalls you may find online are for the modern 2013-2016 Dart and do not apply to these classic models.
Technical Specifications
Varies by transmission type. Automatic transmission models (approx. 1969+) typically use a 3-prong screw-in switch that combines the neutral safety and back up light functions. Manual transmission models use a 2-prong switch.
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The information in this article is provided for general reference and educational purposes only. Vehicle specifications, procedures, and part compatibility can vary by production date, trim level, and region. Always consult your vehicle's factory service manual and verify part numbers before purchasing or performing repairs. Safety-critical components such as airbags, seat belts, and braking systems should be installed by a qualified professional.