Chrysler Repair: back-up lamp switch location on automatic trans, neutral safety switch, lamp holders

Question
my backup lights dont work I am trying to locate the back up  lightswitch on my 1997 dodge careavan v-6 3.0 could you please tell me where it is.

Answer
Hi Terry,
There are two different transmissions: an electronic 4 speed automatic and a non-electronic 3 speed automatic. The back-up/park-neutral safety switch on both of them is at the lower edge of the side of trans that faces the front of the van. For the 4 speed it is at the very end and is mounted at 45 degree angle, pointing to the left front corner of the van. For the 3 speed it is on the front just outboard of the oil cooler line (below several pressure access ports). It has three pins and when you have it in reverse there should be continuity between the two outer pins of the switch. The colors of the two wire are white and violet/black. The middle pin is for the park/neutral safety and it should be grounded by the switch in those positions of the shifter and its wire is black/white. So check the function of the switch before you remove it. Fuse #12 in the junction block provides the power for it (coming to the switch on the white wire) and some other items which you would probably noticed weren't working if it were blown, but check it anyway. Be prepared to catch some trans fluid when you remove it. Torque the new one in to 24 foot-pounds with a new gasket. You might also want to check for voltage at the violet/black wire at the back-up lamp holders; those rear bulb holders have been a source of non-functional lights for the vans. You may have bad bulb holders rather than a bad switch on the trans.
Roland