"Easy" is a relative word. The switch is located on the topleft drivers side of the transmission in manuals, and requires a bit of work to change. It MAY be possible to replace the switch without lowering the transmission, but I don't see how it could be done with normal sized hands. To make the job "easy", lower the transmission first. Then replacement is a simple job.

To the original poster of this thread...I also had difficulty troubleshooting my reverse light "occasionally on/off" problem. To determine if the switch was the culprit, I disconnected the yellow and black wires that plug into the switch located on the top left (drivers side) of the transmission (it IS possible to disconnect and reconnect them with a pair of needlenose pliers, but is a very tight squeeze...and be careful with the plug connectors).

Using a resistance meter, I checked for "reverse gear switch" continuity in reverse, then out of reverse, and found the switch to be functioning properly.

I then connected 12V to the disconnected yellow wire, and grounded the disconnected black wire. (The yellow and black connectors are bullet type, if I remember correctly...slim alligator clips are excellent for making a good contact, plus they will stay securely in place.) The lights did not come on. :(

I then checked for continuity in the yellow and black wires from the transmission "reverse gear switch" female connectors all the way to the plug-in connector located at the left drivers side taillight, and found I had continuity. Hmmmm, That's good, I thought...No broken or shorted wires...but where the heck is the problemo? I applied voltage directly to the circuit panel feeding the reverse light, and BOTH lights came on. :) Excellent, I thought. The problem was finally isolated to the little white connector located at the drivers side taillight, and finally to the #1 and #2 plugs (or pins, or whatever you want to call them...they are numbered 1 through 8). The first and second pins were fused together and the normally white plastic was melted a bit, and looked hard and crusty.

To make a long story "short", check for shorts at your taillight connections before you replace the switch!

Good Luck!

Jackson Sadler