I removed and replaced the transmission shift linkage, including the transmission shift lever, and now that all is reassembled, car starts in all shift settings and there are no backup lights. The Starter Inhibitor/Backup Light Switch described in the Haynes Manual does not exist, as described, on this 85 TD wagon. Help...

The inhibitor switch surrounds the actuator lever shaft. Connected to the lever by a small screw and a sheetmetal fork (plastic switch) or a small metal tube-like doodad (metal switch). I think the W123 is similar to the W115.

Probably either the screw isn't attached any more or the little fork is broken or fell off when you pulled the lever off. It isn't moving the switch, it's stuck in Park position.

This is better than in gear, since it won't start that way......

Check and see what you left off, has to be that the switch isn't moving.

Some models have a remote switch, but I think they are all column shifts, pre-72.

Peter

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1972 220D ?? miles
1988 300E 200,012
1987 300D Turbo killed 9/25/07, 275,000 miles
1985 Volvo 740 GLE Turobodiesel 218,000
1972 280 SE 4.5 165, 000 - It runs!

Thanks, Fred. This model safety Switch has a paddle extending up from the collar through which the lever pin protrudes. This paddle is part of the switch and it connects to the lever. I broke off that plastic paddle. And so no switch actuation. $50 lesson.