I lost that ball when changing out a trans before. After a while I said I was going to put in a toggle switch. Then I actually investigated and found the issue. It could be as simple as the connector just isn't connected anymore. Have you been under the car to take a look at the wiring to that switch? That's where I'd place my bet.
I assume you have never had reverse lights?
O man .. hate to hear this! I'm sure someone in the area has you covered. I'm not sure if the guy who bought all of John's (starquestrescue) parts still has much, but I can contact him if you want.
I saw that. Solid price for that car. I feel bad for the last owner, but the dealer made out great. I guess that is his job
That Element auction though... I guess just because low miles and people lose their minds. Hard pass for me
They do show up once in a while. You might be better off getting one of the other manifolds that have been make. CPC (i think) is who made the one I have ready to replace my magna. There was a group buy on FB a while back. I believe another one is in the making. Christopher Miller was running the buy.
Nice. I have considered doing something similar using a GPS module for speed and the ABS pulse for wheel speed. Then tie that back to my ECU for traction control. The VSS signal is likely to be more accurate (as long as you aren't spinning). I use a Garmin GLO 2 GPS module for datalogging already and it is pretty darn good at 10Hz refresh rate.
I have a home made unit that I like to use, but a mityvac will do the job too. If you are careful. The reservoir that comes with those is not real large and if you accidentally suck brake fluid into the vac pump it usually dies pretty quickly.
Odds are pretty good it has DOT 3 in it. From the sounds if things, you should take this opportunity to flush the brake lines too. Then you can be sure. Brake fluid will suck moisture from the environment and eventually rot from the inside out.