W124 Reverse Light Problem

[Ricmes]

Hi All,

I am new to owning a MB ...and this Forum.

I have an issue with a 1990 W124 300 Diesel Estate Auto.

Sometimes the reversing lights stay on - no matter which gear is selected.

The odd thing is that when I open the tailgate they switch off - close the tailgate they come back on again.

Have had to remove the bulbs to save confusing anyone behind me!

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks

 

[Philbask]

Need to check wiring diagrams but it's not uncommon for the 12V feed to go through the lamp, then on to the switch and grounded at / by the switch. What can happen is a wire rubbed through at the tailgate entry/exit point with the opening / closing over time, this will ground the circuit before it reaches the switch, lights on! Opening the tailgate, moves the offending wire enough to break the "short" to ground.

 

[bolide]

Broken wire(s) going to the tailgate

Nick Froome

 

[Ricmes]

Hi There, thanks for the reply. Will get checking later this week and see if I can track it.

Thanks Ricmes

 

[jackmc123]

check the plug and wiring going to the rear light cluster and the plug at the cluster common on all vehicles is these burn up due to bad connections (flow) and also make sure the correct bulbs are fitted ...

 

[coupe addict]

These little 'chafing' problems can quickly turn nasty, so its worth taking seriously even though its still trivial at this stage: I had to relieve sharp edges of holes and use grommets and tape before I finally persuaded my tailgate wiring that current belongs in wires and should not be more generally distributed...