Bad backup light switch?

Anyone every had the backup light switch on manual trans. go bad?
This is the first time I have had one fail. The switcht makes contact
when the ball is pushed all the way in, but guess the actuator in the
trans. does not press it in very far. I suppose the oil could have
gotten up into the contacts.
Thanks,
MR

 

This happened to my 1994 SC2 last year and I have read half a dozen post on
this. It seems to be happening more and more as the cars reach ten years
old.

 

So, that's what it is!
This has recently happened to my '95 SL-2
I took a look at the circuit breaker, and it was fine. Was planning to
drop the car off at mechanic's place to have him check it out.

Thanks for the tip!

Any guestimates on how much is it to fix it?

Thanks

 

Just replace this very part yesterday myself. It was only $15 at
Advance, and they had 'em in stock. Last year my '94 SL2 failed State
inspection because of no reverse lights. Turns out the contacts at
the switch were all gunked up, primarily owing to its poor location
right on the dirtiest area of the tranny. The guy cleaned it then, and
got the lights to work again....but they stopped working about 6
months later. Checked the contacts again this time, but all looked
clean...and the switch "looked" ok...ball tension was still good, etc.
Replacing the switch was a last-gasp...but it worked like a charm!

Eric

 

Same here. After dittling with the switch, I guessed that the oil had
gotten into it and bought a new one at Saturn. I think it was about
the same price.
MR