Backing up with no lights...

[peachykeen]

Being terrible with all things electrical...where are some specific areas to check if both back up lights are not working?

Other than that, this I do know....
- bulbs are new
- wiring is connected to outlets
- fuse is good

thanks

[Yak]

I think the electrical switch on the rear of the tranny senses the selector is in R and completes the path.

[peachykeen]

Great thanks -- I'll start looking for that -- I imagine I can just simply follow the wires to it??? do you think it is located under the car or interior somewhere??

obviously if you say it is at the back of the tranny, probably under the car...

[Jeremy5848]

AFAIK the reverse light switch is part of the neutral safety switch (NSS). Look for a black plastic thing attached to the transmission with a cable or cables running to it. You could have either a loose connection, bad wire, or worn-out switch.

[peachykeen]

super thanks -- I'll get under there later tonight..

[Bio300TDTdriver]

Originally Posted by Jeremy5848

AFAIK the reverse light switch is part of the neutral safety switch (NSS). Look for a black plastic thing attached to the transmission with a cable or cables running to it. You could have either a loose connection, bad wire, or worn-out switch.

That is definitely true on the 124. I had to replace my NSS to restore my back up lights.

[peachykeen]

OK on a w124 --- what about on a 79 w123 wagon? sorry, somehow I left that out... I looked but didn't quite see that Neutral Safety Switch box...I'll take another look...

[Bio300TDTdriver]

Originally Posted by peachykeen

OK on a w124 --- what about on a 79 w123 wagon? sorry, somehow I left that out... I looked but didn't quite see that Neutral Safety Switch box...I'll take another look...

Different model, different switch in this case. You'll have to wait for someone with 123 knowledge to chime in.

[Yak]

Have you tried the epcstartek site? It should be free, it'll have the exploded diagrams of the parts. It takes a bit to figure it out, but overall very helpful.

http://epc.startekinfo.com/epc/

[peachykeen]

Thanks -- I'll check it out...

[Bio300TDTdriver]

Originally Posted by peachykeen

Thanks -- I'll check it out...

Does this picture help?

[peachykeen]

Nice pic -- I see something LIKE that on the passenger side rear location of the tranny, but it is a lot smaller, and more rectangular.

I'll look again -- pictures are GREAT thanks.

If it is a NSS, any idea how much those go for?

thanks.

[Bio300TDTdriver]

Originally Posted by peachykeen

Nice pic -- I see something LIKE that on the passenger side rear location of the tranny, but it is a lot smaller, and more rectangular.

I'll look again -- pictures are GREAT thanks.

If it is a NSS, any idea how much those go for?

thanks.

Yes right here.

[peachykeen]

Believe I see it now -- it's on the side of the tranny, sound right? passenger side...

Anything I could do to 'test' this NSS before spending the $90 for a new one? or does this sound like a sure fix?

Thanks for the help...

[micalk]

With the key off or with F14 removed, throw the tranny into reverse. Disconnect the small plug on the glow plug timer/relay unit. Check the resistance to ground at F14. It should be near ground level since the lowest resistance in the circuit will be the backup lights. If the NSS is not making a connection you may see some type of transistor resistance - can't be more specific since I can't test it out. You could disconnect the seat belt warning unit to get a true reading if you suspect the NSS and your results seem high. Then measure the resistance at F14 in Park, it should be different. If not then NSS is highly suspect.