1996 f150 brake lights don't automatically turn on when I shift into reverse. They only work if I hold the shift lever up towards park. Shift needle being just on the outside left of the R.

I have to pull the shift lever towards me and left like I'm shifting into park. Won't work if I just hold the lever up without pulling towards me as well.

I tightened the shift lever slop bolts T30, didn't help anything other than tighten the shift lever, which was nice.

Any help?

I'm getting ready to add a reverse camera. Wiring them up to my brake lights. I would like to get this issue fixed first before I add the camera as I don't want to hold the shift lever to engage the lights which engage the camera

 

Check the position of the manual lever position sw , formally the neutral safety sw on the trans. It could be with some corrosion or possibly require replacement.

 

Yes sir That's also what I found from my research. I'll check it today