Shift selector lights intermittent

[Jero1906]

I have a 91 camry with an automatic transmission. The shift selector lights on the dash are intermittently on/off. It seems if a wiggle the shifter the lights will come on or off. Also, when I put it in reverse the backup lights do not always come on. Again, if I wiggle the shifter just right the backup lights will come on and stay on. I am hoping to be able to fix this issue myself but do not know where to begin. Can anyone offer some wisdom on this matter? Is there a switch in the transmission tunnel, just below the shifter, that could be worn?

Sorry in advance if this is a duplicate thread, but I could not find one with both the issues I am having. Thanks!

[fourdrinie]

search for threads on neutral safety switch....replace it, or clean it up...should solve all your problems...

Removing and cleaning the Neutral Start Switch

keep us informed!

[Darwin686]

hey bud you have a dirty neutral saftey swtich. If you look straight down by the left side of yoru battery you will see it mounted to the transmission. take it off like a 10mm 0r 12mm bolt holds it on and take it apart. Get a can of electrical parts cleaner and clean it up. Grab a small pack of dielectric grease and grease the internal contacts. put it back together and your done. let me know if ya need any more help with that.

[AvalonMan96]

I remember having this very same issue with my old 1988 Camry. I never fixed it, but I remember wiggling the shifter (automatic) to get the back-up lights to illuminate.

Their lighting coincided with the "R" on the dash indicator going on, as well. If the "R" wasn't lit, then the reverse lights did not go on, and vice versa.

[Jero1906]

Thanks guys for your suggestions and the link. This is very helpful. I will get to this Wednesday and let you know how it went. Thanks again!