Reverse lights always on

I recently replaced the bulbs and sockets on my reverse lights and since then they have been staying on whenever the car is running, regardless of what gear the car is in. Any ideas on how to fix this? Also, is it illegal to drive the car with the lights always on? I live in California so you can never be to sure.

 

Standard or Automatic? Column or Floor shift?

 

It's automatic, the previous owner converted it to floor shift, but the column shifter is still on the column.

 

sounds like the collar where the shifter used to be has moved and/or the guy who converted it didn't install the shifter interlock(prevents the shifter from moving from park without turning the key) On the base of the column at the floor, topside of the column should be the neutral/back up light switch.(early model, not sure of the year change) or on the transmission lever itself(later models) you can unplug it and see if the lights go out, but you may not be able to start the car, unless he bypassed it.

 

Was it working before? check the reverse neutral switch.

And yes any cop can and will stop you for that. So get it fixed asap

 

Take the bulbs out till you figur it out.

 

push the column shifter up to park and see if that helps.

 

I've tried that, but it seems like the lights stay on no matter where I put the shifter.

 

there is a small contact switch under the plastic cover of most aftermarket floor shifters (B&M, Hurst ...) the switch is engaged when the shifter is in reverse, so the lights are on. any other gear, the lights are off. remove the screws, pull up the plastic cover and find the switch (there might be 2, one for a neutral safety switch) the switch might have slid forward and as such, lights stay on.


unless it isn't an after market shifter. then I got nothin for ya. sorry.