I replaced the back-up lights / neutral safety switch in my 97 ram 1500 cause it was leaking a little.

Now i have no back up lights . A full systems check revealed that the pin in both new switches that we checked would not extend enough to complete the circuit once the switch was installed.

the neutral safety works fine.

Has anyone ever heard of this?

switch is probly made in china

I bought one at the Dodge dealer and one at carquest. don't know where they were made .

Do you have any better of a answer?

Did you try both switches out of the transmission? If the pin extends and closes the circuit when out of the trans but not when installed there might be damage to the plastic shoe inside the trans.

Yes , i tried both out of trans and they worked i believe it is in the trans .

what is this plastic shoe , Does it fall out of place ? Is it easy to fix or replace..

I'm kinda surprised the neutral safety works fine.

Thanks for your help.

It a chore backin up at night out here in the boonies.

The pic below shows the plastic shoe and its relationship to the pin, the pin doesn't need to extend very far to make contact with the steel part but any obstruction in the "trough" at the Reverse position will obstruct the pin.