I think your reverse switch may still be on the column, even if your shifter is on the floor. Have someone watch the backup lights as you move the shifter from Park to Neutral with the key on. If the lights come on at all the switch is good, but just out of adjustment. If they don't come on with that test then the switch is probably bad.
The switch is held on with screws that allow it to be slid to adjust, or remove.
That capped off yellow wire is for a power antenna I believe.

 

The floor shifter still moves the collar.

 

okay. tested out the switch and im guessing that it's bad. tried to adjust it just to see if it changed but nothing helped it.

so i guess im gonna replace it when i can. Are these things hard to install ?

also, the one listed as an "exact fit" on the advance auto website has a total of 5 contacts, are there really this many on the oem part ?

thanks guys

 

Sounds right. Here is a clip from my 79' service manual. I threw in some trouble shooting instructions for you too. The remove and replace instructions were about worthless, i didn't want to confuse you so I won't post them. I'm also giving you a link tthat has some good info on where the wires under the dash go. It a long thread but most of the stuff relevant to you is toward the front. Factory Gauge Harness Connector - NastyZ28.com

If you have issues with the little pin being sheared of or something let me know. I can e-mail the page from the book to you.

Switch


Trouble shooting

 

The switch in mention does more than backup lights. It's backup lights, neutral safety, seatbelt warning, all in one. Easy to replace, and adjust.

 

im still kinda confused though. the switch that i have only has one connector to it with pink and green wires. so would i just leave the other two not hooked up to anything ?

 

Pic? Plug everything in that can be. That may even be your issue. If harness isn't plugged into the switch.

 

Or it could be that someone put a different switch in that isn't correct for your car. I'd also like to see the pic of your switch. Maybe it's wrong, broken pins, or???
I would definitely get the correct switch and plug everything in. I bet you've only got the neutral safety now.

 

i ordered the part but wont get it till tomorrow. i have always been able to start the car in any gear, and the back up lights were working until a couple weeks ago.

i will try to get a pic of it in the next couple hours.

 

okay, so i got the new switch, but while trying to install it i tested the "inner shaft" that engages the switch and come to find out it is not rotating when i change the shifter.

so what does fixing that entail ? is this a home job or a shop job ?