W124 neutral safety switch problems

[MB-tex]

Hi all

1996. 124 e280 estate. 5 speed. 333000 miles

I noticed recently during our summer weather that the rear windscreen wiper did not come on when reversing with the front wiper operating. Checked reversing lights and saw that they weren't working either. Doctor google diagnosed the neutral safety switch on the left side of the gearbox, where the shifter attaches to the transmission.

The neutral safety switch (A 00 054 549 06 part number from Nemigaparts.com) is no longer made by MB. The car is booked into shop tomorrow to diagnose but they don't always get it right. What I want to ask is is this part likely to be adjustable in situ or is it a part that fails and needs replacing? And is there something else that might cause these symptoms? There is an online video teardown of the part and it is a pretty simple switch inside. Any advice appreciated. Thanks

Tom

 

[ray_hennig]

The neutral safety switch (A 00 054 549 06 part number from Nemigaparts.com) is no longer made by MB.

Worth trying your local Porsche outfit. I got mine from Porsche for 60€ vs. 95 from MB.

R

 

[ray_hennig]

Worth trying your local Porsche outfit.

And Ebay, loads on there.

R

 

[MB-tex]

Thanks all. Yes, saw a few on eBay but am wary of putting on a part that is already worn out. Will the Porsche part be the same as the MB?! I guess some components are shared...

 

[ray_hennig]

Will the Porsche part be the same as the MB?

I think it's very likely, assuming they still have it. The 928 used the 722.3 gearbox. My box is the 722.5 - based on the 722.3 but with the extra 5th gear - and thus likely to be the same one as yours, yes?

RayH

 

[MB-tex]

Thanks Ray. Always dreamed of driving a 928. So just picked up the car from the shop and they say it is likely to be the selector module switch that lives in the shifter mechanism under the nice shiny wooden centre console. Not something I know anything about. Anyone had any experience of this component? I'm wondering if some liberal spraying of contact cleaner into the shifter gate might clean the switch...

They are going to look into the part and get back to me. I'll keep you posted.

Tom

 

[ray_hennig]

I'm wondering if some liberal spraying of contact cleaner into the shifter gate might clean the switch...

No, don't spray liberally. Remove the trim and the switches and clean the switches with good quality contact cleaner. NOT standard WD40.

Then reassemble.

You may need to clear fault codes as I did but yours is a later car so I shan't comment further until I have drunk (appropriate word) less.

Keep us posted.

R

 

[MB-tex]

So, the garage didn't get back to me yesterday about this selection module switch - still not sure which part this is. My mechanics are not as good as they used to be. Experts on these old cars are becoming rarer. The old guy that used to run the place could diagnose these things in a flash.
But, watching my wife reverse the car in Lidl's carpark just now I see the reversing lights working and the rear wiper too. I now have that most dreadful of faults - an intermittent one. Should I bother with my continuing investigations?

Yes! Of course. How could you doubt me?

MOT is not until March so I've got time on my side. I will report back when I have more news.

Tom

 

[ray_hennig]

this selection module switch - still not sure which part this is.

There are 2 switches for the 722.5 gearbox: E/S and 4/5th. I solved 4/5th gear problems by removing and cleaning those switches, using high quality electrical contact cleaner. NOT standard WD40 under any circumstances.

Having said that, your symptoms, to my mind, do not point to those switches, assuming 4/5th gear changes are OK.

R

 

[MB-tex]

Thanks Ray. Yes, 4/5 change is working as it should and the gearbox is working perfectly. The E\S switch is operational too. Just this now intermittent fault where some switch is not switching the reverse lights on when I shift into reverse. I had assumed it was the neutral safety switch but it sounds like its something else. I will call into my mechanic and see if he can identify the part more clearly. I don't think he was quite sure either.

Tom