1960s NSS, back-up lamp switch repair? 1960 Coupe deVille

[bigoilman]

Trying to get absolutely everything working and this is one of the last.  Backup lights don't come on when shifted to reverse. I have power from the fuse to the switch and the lights will illuminate if I apply 12v directly to their circuit (green wire on NSS).  Everything else works (even the parking brake vacuum release).  Are these rebuildable? Replacements available?

Thanks

[The Tassie Devil(le)]

Firstly, I would try adjusting the switch position to see if that fixes it.

I have repaired these things, but you have to be really careful with the little diecast tabs that hold the pieces together.

I have put them back together in various ways, like with thin screws, and wire.

Bruce.

[David Greenburg]

Tim Groves (Cadillac Tim) rebuilds them.

[Warren Rauch #4286]

    Cadillac Neutral Safety Switches are a pain.  There is a rebuilt 60-63 on eBay for about $300+100core.

This is better than 1964s that are in $500 range,and you may not find 1 in 4 type you need. The aftermarket didn't  make them. Cadillac was the only one with the Vacuum brake release.

    There were 2 models in 1960. Early 1998724, Late 1993560. Having had both in my hands at the same time the only difference I found was the nozzles for the vacuum lines. Cadillac did not service the early type for very long.  The early type had them out the back,later type (1960-63) out the side of the little casting.

   What goes wrong ? (1)The pin that goes in the column breaks off.
                     (2) The bakolite breaks/chips on the track that the pin rides in.
                     (3) Most Likely,the contacts inside  or the connections on the outside need      cleaning or replacing.

 I would assume that problem 1 or 2 ,would make for a worthless core. The same if the tabs that hold it together are broken off.

Warren

         

[bigoilman]

Cadillac Neutral Safety Switches are a pain.  There is a rebuilt 60-63 on eBay for about $300+100core.

This is better than 1964s that are in $500 range,and you may not find 1 in 4 type you need. The aftermarket didn't  make them. Cadillac was the only one with the Vacuum brake release.

    There were 2 models in 1960. Early 1998724, Late 1993560. Having had both in my hands at the same time the only difference I found was the nozzles for the vacuum lines. Cadillac did not service the early type for very long.  The early type had them out the back,later type (1960-63) out the side of the little casting.

   What goes wrong ? (1)The pin that goes in the column breaks off.
                     (2) The bakolite breaks/chips on the track that the pin rides in.
                     (3) Most Likely,the contacts inside  or the connections on the outside need      cleaning or replacing.

 I would assume that problem 1 or 2 ,would make for a worthless core. The same if the tabs that hold it together are broken off.

Warren

         

Mine is the early version by that description.

[bigoilman]

Firstly, I would try adjusting the switch position to see if that fixes it.

I have repaired these things, but you have to be really careful with the little diecast tabs that hold the pieces together.

I have put them back together in various ways, like with thin screws, and wire.

Bruce.

Thanks, Bruce.  I'll try to adjust it before diving into it further.

[The Tassie Devil(le)]

Richard,

Your saying that the Auto Park Brake release is operating correctly, indicates that there may be nothing wrong with the actuating arm, but also, is the Park and Neutral Starting capability working correctly.

If not, then the actuating arm could have a piece broken off it, and the switch adjusted to operate the Brake Release.

Bruce.

[Moody]

I've had luck working on these. My suggestion is be sure to use electrical contact grease when reassembling, if you have to go that far. This will also helps the vacuum portion seal better.

[Steve W]

Firstly, I would try adjusting the switch position to see if that fixes it.

I have repaired these things, but you have to be really careful with the little diecast tabs that hold the pieces together.

I have put them back together in various ways, like with thin screws, and wire.

Bruce.

Yes, I agree with Bruce. It seems like everything else works on the switch, so try adjusting it first while it's in place. If it's anything like the one on my 68, the mounting holes are a bit elongated to allow for adjusting. I had the same issue on mine.

[bigoilman]

Just wanted to update for future searches. A small adjustment was all it needed. Works as it should in all positions and back-up lights work in Reverse!

[Big Fins]

Always nice to have a no cost repair. They are the best kind.

[The Tassie Devil(le)]

Great news.

Bruce.