No backup lights in a 450
 

Any suggestions for troubleshooting the lack of backup lights in a 450SEL?

The light bulbs are good, but the backup lights don't come on when the car is in reverse.

Is there a switch at the shifter, maybe?

Thanks

Bump

I can't remember on your car .... but I am sure someone can ...

Not familiar with this model, but the switch is usually on the transmission itself, not the shifter.

Could also be shift rod bushings. Can you get the lights to come on, even briefly, by jiggling or fiddling with the shifter?

definately check the wiring harness and plug going to the starter lockout switch located on the drivers side of the tranny.this area is very susceptible to dirt and grime buildup which can effect operation of the switch

Jiggling the shifter doesn't bring the backup lights on ... so, it doesn't appear to be the bushings.

Checked the electrical plug on the transmission ... it is cracked wide open, and filled with grease. I doused it with electrical cleaner, but the backup lights still don't work.

Any opinions on whether I should replace the electrical plug to the transmission? If yes, can the plug be bought separately and spliced into the existing wiring easily?

Thanks in advance

check the apprpriate fuse in the fusebox before replacing anything.it could be that simple.if you have schematics check them also to see what else is involved in that circuit

Fuses are good. Guess I'll be replacing the electrical plug on the transmission ... I wonder if you can buy just the plug?

check your local merzbenz wrecker fora good used one if unavailable new

the switch on a 123 is near the shifter... it is visible when you remove the centre console.

it might also be an earth problem at the light cluster?