Auto Parts: 1997 ford 15 pass van backup lights, neutral safety switch, shift linkage

Question
The light never comes on. Can it be replaced without droppping the transmission?

Thanks.
-------------------------------------------
The text above is a follow-up to ...

-----Question-----
My backup lights don't work. The bulbs are not burnt out. What are the possible problems.
-----Answer-----
sounds like the mlps ( manual lever position sensor or neutral safety switch). do they come on at all when shifting through the gears? if so it needs to be adjusted. if not it is bad. it is located on the drivers side of the trans where the shift linkage hooks up. it is the black plastic switch with about 8 wires leading to it. there will be two bolts holding it on. these can also be loosened for adjusting the position.

Answer
yes it is very easy. you don't even need a jack. all you should need is a 15mm and a 10 or 8mm wrench. maybe a medium sized srew driver. on the drivers side of the trans in the center and just above the pan you will see a linkage cable with a square plastic end. this is hooked to a small metal lever which is bolted to the trans shift lever. make sure the vehicle is in park WITH THE PARKING BRAKE SET AND THE WHEELS CHOCKED!!!!! if you move the lever it will take the vehicle out of gear!!! remove the nut that fastens the metal lever to the shift lever. with a little wiggle the lever should come off. remove the electrical plug from the switch. now remove the two small bolts from the switch that fasten it to the trans. with these out the switch should pull off. if it doesn't use your screw driver to wedge it off carefully. sometimes they stick pretty good. re-install in the opposite direction. there will be instructions in the box on how to set the switch in the correct position. good luck.