Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
Reversing Relay
Reversing relay is a magnetically controlled two position switch. In its normally closed position lever makes contact with ground terminal and completes a circuit through CEC solenoid. Contact is broken when transmission mounted switch points are closed which completes a circuit from battery through ignition switch. This circuit sets up a magnetic field in relay which pulls points open and breaks circuit to CEC solenoid, de-energizing it and blocking vacuum to distributor advance unit. When transmission is in high gear, transmission switch points open, breaking circuit from battery through ignition switch and reversing relay. Reversing relay points close, thus providing a circuit through grounded relay to CEC solenoid, energizing solenoid and providing vacuum to distributor advance unit.
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.