Can a back-up switch be installed on a 97 GMC without a factory alignment tool?

Question

This is a 1500 Sierra w/automatic trans. One motor book says you need a tool J 41364-A alignment tool since the back-up switch is incorporated with the neutral start switch. It seems like there should be a generic way to do this. Thanks for the help.

Answer 1

I read the other answers and you are being mislead a little bit. The neutral start switch is not incorporated with the multifunction switch in the steering column. You seem to understand that the backup switch is incorporated in the switch that attaches to the trans. at the shift select. The answer to your question is no you do not need a special tool. What you have to do is have a look at where the old switch was adjusted to. There will be marks where the switch was bolted down on the old one. Approximate where the old one was bolted down onto the new switch, that is bolt it down in the same place in the elongated holes that are the adjustment point. Then reconnect all the components and wiring. Finally, recheck all of the switches functions, park and neutral starting, no starter action in reverse or any drive positions, and the backup light operation in the reverse position. If any adjustment is required, do it now and recheck. I never used that tool and I replaced tons of these. Good luck.

Answer 2

i own a repair shop,and this is a simple job,,with gm they have a tool for every job,,i went to school at gm tech,and the switch your looking for is a multi- function switch that mounts down on the steering column,,it does everything,you don't need the alignment tool to do this job,all you do is hold the switch in place ,and tighten it up with the other hand,,once one of the bolts is snugged down on it,,you the tighten the other one down,,gm has a part no-,even for a screw driver,,and this makes a lot of people think they cant do the work,but its just technical talk,you put this one on your self,,good luck hope this help,s

Answer 3

yes. u need to know how to use an oldschool alignment tool. check out autozone and then the net