Hi there my 1985 300TD reverse lights stopped working. Not sure exactly when but within the last few weeks.

Ive looked on this and other forums for some pics/advice on related problems. Vehicle starts fine in Park and doesn't start in reverse, which tells me that part of the switch is still functioning.

Could it be that the part that activates the lights stop working while the switch that protects starting in reverse or drive keep working?

I looked beside the the tranny and it looks very difficult to access. I cant even see bolts to undo. (most likely due to the caked on sludge there).

The images I saw online seem to be from different models. Looked easier to remove than others. Pretty much looks like Ill have to lower the tranny to gain access...

Before I go there, any other Ideas.

I checked the power coming through the wires to the lights at the rear, and both sides indicated nothing, and then a trickle when I engage the reverse. Something like 2.1V...

I am having the same issue with my wagon right now. Haven't got to it.

Try very so slowly moving the gearlever between P - R - N to see if the lights activate somewhere outside the exact gate position for R.

I haven't looked at the setup on my wagon, but on a w123 sedan I had years ago, I had to deal with this to get it through the Quebec safety inspection. It turned out to be the shifter linkage out of adjustment.

I wish I could say more but I was the one sitting in the car, on the hoist, while my wrench fiddled with the adjuster so as to make the shifter and switch agree that the car was in R.

__________________


Mac
2002 e320 4matic estate│1985 300d│1980 300td
Previous: 1979 & 1982 & 1983 300sd │ 1982 240d

“Let's take a drive into the middle of nowhere with a packet of Marlboro lights and talk about our lives.” ― Joseph Heller, Catch-22

Could be it, at least they're not too expensive.
http://www.pelicanparts.com/cgi-bin/smart/more_info.cgi?pn=000-545-49-06-M400&catalog_description=&Neutral%2520Safety%2520Switch%2520

It isn't particularly polite to post links to a product on another parts supplier's website... when you are on a forum hosted and paid for by a parts supplier. Just FYI.

__________________


Mac
2002 e320 4matic estate│1985 300d│1980 300td
Previous: 1979 & 1982 & 1983 300sd │ 1982 240d

“Let's take a drive into the middle of nowhere with a packet of Marlboro lights and talk about our lives.” ― Joseph Heller, Catch-22

Ack, had a brain dead moment there - fixed. Thanks for pointing that out.

Not sure why, but they're working now....

Ill have to look again, but during my initial tests, I had the engine shut off and the ignition all the way on for the power to be on. Because I wasn't comfortable putting the car in reverse with simply the e-brake holding it back.

Just testing now with the engine running they worked. But forgot to see if they worked also with the engine off.


Other possible cause is Water. We had a torrential downpour last week. Some streets were flooded and I drove through anyway. I wondered if I got water in the switch.

I get to use senior moments as my get out of jail card, now .

__________________


Mac
2002 e320 4matic estate│1985 300d│1980 300td
Previous: 1979 & 1982 & 1983 300sd │ 1982 240d

“Let's take a drive into the middle of nowhere with a packet of Marlboro lights and talk about our lives.” ― Joseph Heller, Catch-22

In my case I can feel the shifter adjustment is off and the lights work if I have it nudged up roughly in between R and P. A badly worn bushing that is ready to go can cause something like that, however mine is a year old so it's likely an adjustment issue.

__________________


Mac
2002 e320 4matic estate│1985 300d│1980 300td
Previous: 1979 & 1982 & 1983 300sd │ 1982 240d

“Let's take a drive into the middle of nowhere with a packet of Marlboro lights and talk about our lives.” ― Joseph Heller, Catch-22