1998 E320 Mercedes reverse light problem

[colhard]

The reverse lights on my 1998 Mercedes w210 E320 sedan remain on constantly and do not turn off when vehicle in motion. Any ideas will help. I have lots of posts regarding lights not working, but nothing like this

[raymond~]

the w210s have a weakness in the shifter unit and i believe the common ailment
involves the shifter bushing. generally, the light is out rather than staying on.
but since it is a known weakness...and it impacts the reverse light switch, it
may be a good idea to check the bushing anyway while you're trying to isolate
the problem.

i also seem to recall that the shifting module (electronic) is easier to repair with
the 96-99 models vs the 00-02 (which do not easily allow dismantling)

[colhard]

Thanks for the quick reply.

I thought there may be an issue with the shift but as you say only seemed to relate to no reverse lights. Not the NSS switch as car will only start in Park or Neutral. See what I can find out about shift bush issue.

[gatorblue92]

I know on the earlier W123 and W124 the reverse lights are controlled by the Neutral Safety Switch but I'm not familiar with the W210. If you shift down thru the lower gears does that cause them to go off? Are they on in park as well?

[colhard]

Reverse lights are on all the time no matter what gear, as soon as the vehicle starts the reverse lights come on. (short fix I have removed globes, then I have lamp warning comes up on instrument cluster)

Has me stumped as I have been unable to find anyone else with the same problem.

[kranje]

The reverse lights are controlled by the gear recognition switch inside the shifter part no. 210-545-13-32 the cup holder is to blame spilling fluids. On my 98 e320 it was full with coke found one at local salvage yard that worked for $10. Shifter has to come apart to replace.