A Class Reverse Lights

maxxoveride

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Hi,

I have just bought an A Class 160 and the reverse lights don't work. I replaced the bulbs, but still not working. I replaced the fuse, still not working. I have now replaced the switch (the one under the bonnet near the gear linkage) and now the reverse lights are constantly on..... can anyone help, as I am well and truly confused.

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M
 

television

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Hello and welcome, if the switch enabled them to come on then it must be an adjustment problem on the switch
 
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maxxoveride

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Thanks for the reply

How do you adjust the switch?

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M
 

television

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I will try and find a fitting document for this for you
 
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maxxoveride

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Thanks Malcolm

Many Thanks for the help in advance :D

Regards
M
 

Cole@MBS

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If you fitted the new switch and didn't have the car in reverse, then you have bent the arm on the inside of the selector, you now have to remove the selector and put it right, then when refitting the switch, make sure it's in reverse first......
 

television

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If you fitted the new switch and didn't have the car in reverse, then you have bent the arm on the inside of the selector, you now have to remove the selector and put it right, then when refitting the switch, make sure it's in reverse first......

Thank you Colin again,,you are A class:D:D
 
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maxxoveride

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Uh Oh!

Bent the arm in the selector! that sounds like having to take the gear box out, or am I wrong in thinking this?

If this is the case it's way too much hassle for reverse lights :-(

Regards
M :(:(:(:(:(:(:(:(:(:(
 

television

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I think you may have bent the switch
 
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maxxoveride

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definately not the switch, I've taken out several times and tried putting it back in when the car is in reverse etc etc, the switch iks fine and works manually, just not when in situ.

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M
 

television

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So when the switch is wired up but not fitted the reverse lamps are off, and on when it is fitted
 
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maxxoveride

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No, when it's wired I can manually activate the switch and the reverse light go on and off as expected. When fitted in place, the lights remain on only, meaning that the plunger on the switch is not being operated. I am assuming that Colin is right and the arm in the selector has bent, and therefore not pushing the plunger in to switch the lights off when not in reverse.

Not a happy bunny :(:(:(:(:(:(:(:(:(:(:(
 

mattkh

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......I am assuming that Colin is right and the arm in the selector has bent, and therefore not pushing the plunger in to switch the lights off when not in reverse.
Hi
Please put up a photo of the switch.
Secondly, can you drive the car in reverse.
Is it an auto ?
 
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maxxoveride

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Hi,

The car drives fine, no problems. It is a manual, it is just the reverse lights that aren't working.

It seems like the job will be too big for me to do, and too costly to get done, so I'll leave well alone.
 

Bobbyrabbit

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Hi,

The car drives fine, no problems. It is a manual, it is just the reverse lights that aren't working.

It seems like the job will be too big for me to do, and too costly to get done, so I'll leave well alone.

Hi
I've got exactly the same problem where the reverse switch is working correctly, but the gear selector is not pushing or releasing the plunger. Did you find a solution, other than stripping the gear box!!
 

elizapea

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reverse lights on permanently

Hi I have a merc A140 which I have just bought second hand. First my reverse lights didn't work so I took it to the mechanic I bought it off and now they are on permanently with an elusive mechanic, so I am wondering if I can fix it myself to avoid the grief!! Any suggestions!! am willing to learn.
 

mattkh

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Hi I have a merc A140 which I have just bought second hand. .
Hi
1. Has it got an automatic transmission.
2. If you change gears manually, does it have a clutch pedal.
 
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Gear selection

Hi
Had the same problem with my A160. Had it looked at and told the selector was bent so I opted to leave it with no reversing lights. Problem now however is that I can no longer engage 5th gear.
Can anybody offer a solution and estimated cost to fix? It went to the garage with a working gearbox. Ment to add it has the auto clutch.
Thanks in advance.
 
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Tane003

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Hi,
Old post, but I still anwer if it help someone else sufferings this issue.
So, when removing switch you NEED TO HAVE REVERSE GEAR ON.
If not, one lever will drop to wrong position and will be damaged when new new switch is installed. Light will be on constantly and fifth gear wont go in.

However, you can recover from this situation without removing gearbox. At least I did.

1. Select neutral gear
2. Remove switch
3. Use pen magnet or some stick to push lever back up thru switch hole. (Extreamly challenging, but few hours of practice makes you master)
4. When holding lever up, ask assistant to push reverse gear on.
5. Remove magnet or stick
6. Install switch.
7. (Optional) if now you can get fifth gear on, but still reverse light stays constantly on lever is damaged.
You can solve this by adjusting height of switch by adding extra spacer.

I did spend one frustrating day solving this, so I hope this helps some else...

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ZZZZ

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Thanks for posting that! And welcome to the forum :)

Does that procedure apply to 169/245 or 168, or both?
And more to the point (for me that is) - does it apply to CVT?

I've no problem with my lights, other than there're too many and all bright, I'm told ;) so just for future reference.
 

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