I have a 1988 W124 230TE. It has recently developed a strange electrical problem. When I switch the front windscreen wiper on, the reversing lights come on in time with the sweep of the wiper! This happens virtually everytime the wiper is used. Very occasionally it doesn't happen. I have checked the fuses and they are fine. I checked the reversing switch on the auto gearbox and it was firmly attached and dry. I found the engine to body earth lead and took it off cleaned it all and re-attached it. It still does it! I have taken out the reversing bulbs in the meantime and now of course all I get is the bulb failure light coming on and off instead. The wiper works as it should. The only other electrical problems which are minor but might help point the way for any of you experts is that my NSF window doesn't work (not the switch!), the heater control lights are out (haven't checked them yet) and also the heater always blows hot air irrespective of where the dials are. I can live with those problems in the meantime but I would rather my wiper and reversing lights were not having fun! Having looked at my untrusty Haynes manual the only link I can see between the two is an eventually shared earth but no direct wired link. Am I missing something?
The other query concerns suspension bushes. My car in common with others I have read about on here has a clonk on both sides at the front going over bumps. While underneath the car looking at the reverse switch I had a look at the bushes and shock absorbers. The shocks seem OK and are not leaking. The car also handles fine so I was quite happy with them. The lower ball joints look OK in so much they are not perished etc., and actually look quite new. The same goes for the Anti Roll bar bushes and track rod ends. I did notice that three of the four wishbone bushes were split and so obviously they will need replacing. I do not have the tools to "lever" the suspension to check for movement in all the bushes but visually this what I have seen. The car is due its MOT next month and while that will show up whats needed I would like to know some opinions so I can budget for the work needing done.
Any help would be most appreciated.
Vidfletch
The other query concerns suspension bushes. My car in common with others I have read about on here has a clonk on both sides at the front going over bumps. While underneath the car looking at the reverse switch I had a look at the bushes and shock absorbers. The shocks seem OK and are not leaking. The car also handles fine so I was quite happy with them. The lower ball joints look OK in so much they are not perished etc., and actually look quite new. The same goes for the Anti Roll bar bushes and track rod ends. I did notice that three of the four wishbone bushes were split and so obviously they will need replacing. I do not have the tools to "lever" the suspension to check for movement in all the bushes but visually this what I have seen. The car is due its MOT next month and while that will show up whats needed I would like to know some opinions so I can budget for the work needing done.
Any help would be most appreciated.
Vidfletch
