I have been going crazy trying to find the NSS on my 98 E320. My Back-up lights(both sides) do not come on when I shift to revers. I checked the voltage at the light bulb sockets and the connection points and I get 13.6 volt but I get only .07 amp. Since the bulbs and the light assembly are good , My next point to check was NSS which sopposed to be on transmission by geer shift but I can't find it. Is it possible on this model the used a different design to activate the back-up lights?

Thanks

It's on the drivers side of the trans where the shifter lever goes in. There is a hole in the shift lever on the trans where a pin from the NSS fits.

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Regards

Warren

Currently 1965 220Sb, 2002 FORD Crown Vic Police Interceptor

Had 1965 220SEb, 1967 230S, 280SE 4.5, 300SE (W126), 420SEL

ENTER > = (HP RPN)

Not part of the in-crowd since 1952.

I don't think it has one. The wiring diagram on the factory CD would be able to answer the question.

That is done thru the gearshifter...also a second signal from the valve body & then the trans ECU.

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I think you are right(pretty sure). Ther is no switch on the trasmission. I do not know whay Mercedes made a simple function so complecated in this case (may be only for 98 E320).

I do not have the wiring diagram. Can you tel me the flow of the wire from the light assembly to the source. Where the valve body and the Transmission ECU. Thank you very much for your help. Unfurtunately I am not close to your location, other wise I would bring it to you for diag nose and repair.

That started in 1996 ON V-8/V-12 cars & all MB's from 1997, still that way.

Computers talking to computers. The "switch" in the shifter is a computer.

You need to have a MB dedicated scanner to "see" live data to decide the problem.

Any LIQUIDS spilled on the console area?

__________________
MERCEDES Benz Master Guild Technician (6 TIMES)
ASE Master Technician
Mercedes Benz Star Technician (2 times)
44 years foreign automotive repair
27 Years M.B. Shop foreman (dealer)
MB technical information Specialist (15 years)
190E 2.3 16V ITS SCCA race car (sold)
1986 190E 2.3 16V 2.5 (sold)
Retired Moderator

Since you've got power at the bulb sockets you should check the ground side. Just below the left taillight lens you'll find the grounding point for the back-up lights, as well as some other stuff. It's easy to spot. Look for several brown wires attached to the body by a single stud. It's a longshot, but it's quick and easy to check.

Also, have you checked the fuses at the headlight switch? I know you say you've got power to the taillight assemblies but it's a good idea to double-check yourself sometimes (believe me, I've learned this the hard way). You'll find these fuses behind the panel at the left side of the dash. The drivers' door must be open to gain access to this panel.

Lastly, the back-up lamps on your car aren't all that complicated. Between production dates 9/97 to 5/99 there is an actual switch for the back-up lights. It's part of what's called the Range Recognition Switch. It's located in the shifter assembly. The back-up lamp switch can't be replaced separately, but the Range Recognition Switch can. This switch is hard-wired to the headlight switch, where the fuse is, and then on to the back-up light bulbs.