My reverse lights stopped working - any suggestions?
 

Hi-
About a month or so ago, I noticed that the reverse lights on my 240D weren't working. When the problem first started happening, I could make them work if I held down the shifter slightly (towards the neutral position), but that hasn't been doing the trick. Is there a reverse light switch? Could the switch be dirty?
Does anyone have any suggestions? Any help would be much appreciated...:)

P.S. The car is an automatic, and the shift bushings were replaced last year.

If it has an automatic Transmission the Neutral Safety Switch also includes the Back Up Lights.
The other common item that can make a difference is the Plastic Shifter Bushings.

Should I try testing the switch then? If so, can I get at the switch from inside the car? Would I test the switch to see if current can go through it?
I read in the "DIY by parts category" that electrical problems can frequently be fixed by replacing the fuses. Do you think this would be a wise move?

Thanks.

Cleaning and replacing fuses can help if the whole circuit is out. I don't think the '78 uses the same set up as later cars, or I'd try to research.

Check your fuse diagram (hopefully on the back of your fuse cover) and see if there are other things on the reverse light circuit. If they work, then messing with the fuse won't do much. Since you describe moving the shifter as making them work earlier, I'd suspect the NSS.

They're not cheap, about $83, but if they also function to prevent the starter from engaging unless in P or N, it's probably something you want to check. PeachParts FastLane Mercedes Parts Store

I think the NSS is on the outside of the tranny, but could be wrong. If you choose to buy and contact the vendors here, they should be able to advise on where it's at on your car, or point you to a DIY or thread where it's described.

Thanks for your guys replies! I'll take a look at the fusebox and see if the reverse lights are fused by themselves, or what else they're fused with...

neutral safety switch!!!
 

I'm still looking for the darn thing on my 82 300 TD wagon... where the heck is it!!!!

On the transmission, I believe.

Crawl under the car, it is on either the left or right side of the transmission. there should be a black cable/wire going to it.

As I remember there are 4 wires going to it. 2 for the start and 2 for the reverse lights. just a simple $ switch.

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/299044-81-300sd-where-neutral-safety-switch-located.html

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/96048-broken-neutral-safety-switch-replacing-shifter-bushings.html


Charlie

FYI - the screen cap above is from MB's startek page. Very useful for blow-up diagrams, cross-referencing part numbers, etc.

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/general-information/310495-mercedes-startek-have-done-right-thing-help-you-do-right-thing.html

Good luck! My '81 SD has the same problem, I'm just avoiding crawling underneath, because I know I'm going to spend the next week under there, once I start poking around! ;)