Back up light - California

[Straversi]

Do I need a back-up light to get registered in CA?

If so, how does one wire up a back-up light for a Coyote, TKO 600 set up?

-Steve

[norcalLo]

Short answer - no - I bought a Cobra from a guy in Arizona - it had Arizona title and registration - I live in Sacramento area and went through the SB-100 certificate process. I had to get make an appointment with the CHP office in Auburn, CA to do the VIN check and safety check - My car does not have windshield wipers, hazard flashers (has turn signals) and no back-up light - I did this about 2 years ago so unless something has changed you shouldn't have any probs!
Good luck!!

[Al_C]

I'm interested in this as well, though not for CA. Here's what I know (and admittedly, it's not much): The backup light connection is here on the transmission:



Mike Forte has a connection that has wires instead of the screw connections. As far as I can tell, there are no wires in the RF harness for a backup light. At least not according to the wiring diagram in the RF manual. Then again, maybe I just missed it. Hopefully, that's the case. If not, I believe we'll need to run a wire through the bundle back to a light. Are you thinking of a separate light or a combination backup/turn signal with split lens?

[boat737]

Hey Steve. My experience, yes. The brake and light inspector asked to see it. Here's my SB-100 registration thread (probably not applicable to the Coyote) http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showt...d-Registration Post #12.

I had put on a single LED light wired through the TKO reverse switch, and yes I had to run a new wire (fused) through that TKO switch to the backup light. I bought a pigtail/socket that attaches to the switch on the trans, but I can't remember where I got it. I'm sure I could go through my receipts and find it if you need. Here's some pics of the light.

I got the light on Amazon https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/...?ie=UTF8&psc=1 It is plenty bright.

[Gilmore]

Successfully went through SB-100 process in So. Cal 12/16 without back-up light or wipers. They did check for hazards.

[WIS89]

I bought a pigtail/socket that attaches to the switch on the trans, but I can't remember where I got it. I'm sure I could go through my receipts and find it if you need. Here's some pics of the light.

I got the light on Amazon https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/...?ie=UTF8&psc=1 It is plenty bright.

Hey Boat -- not to hijack the thread, but if it isn't too difficult, I would like to know where you got that pigtail. If it is too much trouble, no worries.

Thanks in advance!

Regards,

Steve

[boat737]

I'll start looking. Stand by...

Found it: Ron Francis wiring http://www.ronfrancis.com/prodinfo.asp?number=PG%2D055 As I noted above, I had to run a fused wire to the trans reverse switch, to the backup light. It's not in the RF harness as far as I know.

They also have the neutral safety switch connector http://www.ronfrancis.com/prodinfo.asp?number=PG%2D052 and the speedo sensor connector http://www.ronfrancis.com/prodinfo.asp?number=PG%2D096 which I used. I wired the start system through a relay with both a clutch safety switch and the neutral safety switch, so that the car can either be started in neutral, or in gear when the clutch is depressed (Also installed a bypass switch around that circuitry in case that relay craps out). I used the the Tremec installed sensor for the speedo, and used Forte's billet cover to cap off the mechanical speedo port.

The RF descriptions say they are for the T5, but they work on my TKO-600.

[WIS89]

Boat-

You are the man!! I appreciate the extra information that I didn't even know to ask for! Perfect.

Looks like I need to spend some more $$$ -- go figure!

I sincerely appreciate the assist! And Steve, sorry for the tangential distraction from your thread...

Regards,

Steve

[Ron J]

According to the California Vehicle Code 24606, Backup lights are required.
Another matter entirely is the degree of knowledge and enforcement by those paid to enforce the law. Lack of enforcement is no indicator of legality.
Following is the pertinent excerpt from the Vehicle Code.

VEHICLE CODE - VEH
DIVISION 12. EQUIPMENT OF VEHICLES [24000 - 28150] ( Division 12 enacted by Stats. 1959, Ch. 3. )
CHAPTER 2. Lighting Equipment [24250 - 26106] ( Chapter 2 enacted by Stats. 1959, Ch. 3. )

ARTICLE 3. Rear Lighting Equipment [24600 - 24617] ( Article 3 enacted by Stats. 1959, Ch. 3. )

24606.
(a) Every motor vehicle, other than a motorcycle, of a type subject to registration and manufactured on and after January 1, 1969, shall be equipped with one or more backup lamps either separately or in combination with another lamp. Any vehicle may be equipped with backup lamps.
(b) Backup lamps shall be so directed as to project a white light illuminating the highway to the rear of the vehicle for a distance not to exceed 75 feet. A backup lamp may project incidental red, amber, or white light through reflectors or lenses that are adjacent or close to, or a part of, the lamp assembly.
(c) Backup lamps shall not be lighted except when the vehicle is about to be or is backing or except in conjunction with a lighting system which activates the lights for a temporary period after the ignition system is turned off.
(d) Any motor vehicle may be equipped with a lamp emitting white light on each side near or on the rear of the vehicle which is designed to provide supplemental illumination in an area to the side and rear not lighted by the backup lamps. These lamps shall be lighted only with the backup lamps.
(Amended by Stats. 1981, Ch. 813, Sec. 17.)

Hope this helps.

[Straversi]

Thanks. Great info.

-Steve

[roadscholar]

Steve,

I completed my SB100 registration in April. At the brake and light inspection I was told the car will not pass without a backup light. I found an old fog light and hung it off a quick-jack bolt with a piece of angle iron, I ran the two wires to the studs on the side of the T-5 as Al-C has pictured. As soon as the inspection was finished I pulled it off.

No one ever asked about my lack of wipers, not the CHP, BAR or Brake and Light.

John