The reverse lights are out on my 82 240. I haven't begun tracking down the problem yet but I thought I would get some info.
Where is the reverse light switch located?
This is an auto trans car.

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1981 240D 143k 4 spd manual -SOLD

2004 VW Jetta TDI 5 speed 300k -still driven daily

NSS controls those lights. Are your shifter bushings bad?

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1985 300TD Turbo Euro-wagon
1979 280CE 225,200 miles
1985 300D Turbo 264,000 miles
1976 240D 190,000 miles
1979 300TD 220,000

GONE but not forgotten
1976 300D 195,300 miles
1983 300D Turbo 175,000 miles

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e3...e485-1-2-1.jpg

It's been a while since I last worked on my neutral safety switch, but I believe the reverse-light circuit runs thru it (located on the left side of the tranny at the linkage connection).

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Don't Chrome them; polish them

Mercy: How can I tell if the bushings are NG? The shifter feels firm and it solidly moves from gear to gear.
Is the NSS separate from the reverse switch or are they housed together?
Are both located on the tranny?

__________________
1981 240D 143k 4 spd manual -SOLD

2004 VW Jetta TDI 5 speed 300k -still driven daily

they are the same switch, but before you jump to conclusions, test the wiring in the boot.

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1984 123.193 372,xxx miles, room for Seven.

1999 Dodge Durango Cummins 4BTAA 47RE 5k lb 4x4 getting 25+mpgs, room for Seven.

Do you mean a rubber boot protecting the wiring at the switch?
I haven't been under the car yet to see what's what.

__________________
1981 240D 143k 4 spd manual -SOLD

2004 VW Jetta TDI 5 speed 300k -still driven daily

boot=trunk, bonnet=hood

__________________
1984 123.193 372,xxx miles, room for Seven.

1999 Dodge Durango Cummins 4BTAA 47RE 5k lb 4x4 getting 25+mpgs, room for Seven.

Veddy British eh wot!

__________________
1981 240D 143k 4 spd manual -SOLD

2004 VW Jetta TDI 5 speed 300k -still driven daily