So, it turns out it was the switch... the switch was just occasionally
working, which confused me into thinking it was something else.  I've
ordered a new one from bus depot.

Thanks for all the help,
wes

On Thu, 25 Mar 2004, Mike Collum wrote:

> Hi Wes,
>
> I just got back from a trip to Bangor, Maine ... was gone all day on a
> shopping trip.
>
> If you had 12v coming in to the switch ... and if you connected the 2 wires
> together and still didn't light the backup lights .... then the problem is
> between the switch and the light assemblies.
>
> I'd make sure the bulbs are good ... that the sockets are clean and making
> electrical contact ... and that you have a good ground.
>
> Make sure you're seeing voltage at the positive terminal where the backup
> light goes.  It's not beyond reason that there is a break in the wire
> between the switch and the bulb socket.
>
> Let me know where you are now in your troublshooting.
>
> Mike
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Wesley Alden Pegden" <wes@cs.uchicago.edu>
> To: "Mike Collum" <collum@VERIZON.NET>
> Cc: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
> Sent: Thursday, March 25, 2004 4:49 PM
> Subject: Re: reverse lights not working,
>
>
> > Hmmm....
> > When the van is in reverse, I have 12v going into the switch and coming
> > out.  Is there anything else you know of that I could try?
> >
> > Thanks a bunch,
> > wes
> >
> > On Wed, 24 Mar 2004, Mike Collum wrote:
> >
> > > <snip>
> > > Where exactly is the `backup switch'?
> > > <snip>
> > >
> > > On a manual trans, it's on the driver's side of the transmission just
> > > forward of the axle
> > > shaft.  You'll see two wires connected to it.  Remove the wires and
> unscrew
> > > the switch to remove it.
> > >
> > > Mike
> > >
>
>