Lamp gremlins
 

Hello. Here's my problem. I have a problem with my reverse lamps, and fog lamps. When I shift the car in reverse, the reverse lamps only work when they want to. Changing the bulbs, cleaning the connections, don't work. I've had to tap the fog light or give the hood area above it a little "jab" or hit to make the light come on, and on the reverse lamps, I put the parking brake on, with something behind the wheels too, and put the car in reverse (never more than 10 seconds as not to stress the tranny in any way) to check the reverse lamps. I have to tap the tail lamps to get the reverse lamps on when they don't come on. What's the deal? Do MBs do this after 23 years or something? This Benz of mine is acting like it belongs with that cabinet you had to hit a certain way to open on "Sanford and Son!"
-Joe

YOu might have a nuetral safty switch out of adjustment that is why the revers lamps are not always working, what you could do is have somone stand behind the car and watch the lights while you put it in rverse, then while in reverse you should wiggle the sifter up and down a bit. the revese lamps should come on.

Tried it, doesnt work. The reverse lamps will start to work if I or someone else taps the tail lights while the car is in reverse gear (standing still of course):p
-Joe

Have you checked the ground for the lamps?