Hey guys, I'm trying to replace my backup light switch on a 1998 5-speed. I looked in the Haynes manual and it says to unscrew it from the side of the tranny and put the new one in, easy as pie. However, when I pulled it out, transmission fluid started pouring out!!! Like a LOT. So I just stuck the switch back in and am not sure what to do.

Was that supposed to happen?? It caught me a little off guard. One hypothesis was that the previous owner put too much trans fluid in to begin with, but I'm not sure.

Any ideas??

 

Trans fluid should only be as high as the fill plug. And since I'm pretty sure the back up switch is up near the shifter, you would be correct in that the PO over filled the trans.

 

I measured the fill hole as well as the switch plug hole and the fill hole was actually a bit higher off the ground. So I just lowered the jack on the side with the fill hole and raised the side with the switch. That was enough for me to quickly take the old switch out and put the new one in without losing much fluid. Good news is that backup lights work now!

I guess in total I didn't lose any more than 1/8 quart of fluid. So I think I should be fine- I couldn't get the fill plug off to check but I think its okay.

Thanks!!!