Back up light switch

I am still in the process of rewiring my 73 CJ 5 with the AMC 360 engine. I am using a Centech wiring harness. The original harness has 3 wires that appear to attach somewhere on the transmission. I am assuming one of these is for the back uplight. How can I tell which? Two are wrapped together and one is single.

I am thinking of attaching the new back up light wire from the circuit box to the existing wire and then out to the back up lights. It would be easiest for me to simply splice all three together. Would this work or cause me issues...any thoughts?

 

There are likely 2 switches on the transmission: transmission controlled spark (TCS) with one wire, and backup lights with 2 wires.

You can use the TCS or not, your choice. The two wires together should have a flat connector for the backup light switch. Power is supposed to come from the panel, to the switch, and then to the BU lights. The return path is via the body ground. Does this answer your question?

 

Thanks for the help!!! I have a very long wire coming out of the panel labeled Backup Lights. If I understand correctly I would conect that to the flat connector that is attached to two wires. Both my backup lights are not connected to anything. Would I run another wire out of the connector to one of the lights and then splice it to the other?? Sorry for my ignorance and I really appreciate the help.

While I am at it, can you tell me where I would find the Temperature sender post? I have a wire coming from my cluster , but do not know where to attach it. The PO really had the wiring messed up.

 

Yes, that's exactly what I did. I just wired up mine last week. Run a keyed, fused 12v source to one side of the flat connector on the tranny switch. Then run a wire from the other side back to one of your lights. Connect that wire over to the other light and you're good to go! The backup lights themselves ground via the mounting bolts, so they are only a one-wire connection. At least the stock ones are up to 75.

The Temp sender should be in the top of the head next to the valve cover, pointing straight up. It's a brass hex-nut with a post sticking up out of it. I think the location changed over the years, my engine is a 1980 model and it's on the right (driver's) side rear corner of the head.

 

Your temp sender should be up front near the water pump pulley.

 

I have a pic somewhere...

 

Right, sorry, I didn't even notice the part where you said you have a 360. I was describing a 258.