S-Class (W220) 1999-2006: S 320 CDI, S 320, S430, S 500, S 600

2002 W220 S430 Reverse Lights Stay On In All Gears

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Old Mar 2, 2021 | 10:13 PM
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2002 Mercedes W220 S430
Question 2002 W220 S430 Reverse Lights Stay On In All Gears

Hello, I am having a problem that I have literally scoured the internet for answers and have got nowhere. My reverse lights stay on in all gears on my 2002 S430. The dash indicator does state the proper gear that the transmission is in, from Park to Drive and in between. The transmission shifts just fine, and there are no warning lights happening while driving. Usually there is a warning if there is the slightest problem with any of the lamps not working properly, but in this case it is as if the car does not recognize that there is a problem. When I do get a warning of sorts is after removing the ignition key and opening the driver's side door. There is then a red warning message "Place Vehicle In Park". I may not have that message 100% but that is the unmistakable gist of it. The vehicle is indeed in Park, though. I would think that a neutral safety switch would be the logical first thing to check, however I am not so sure the S430 has such a switch. If it does indeed have one I will surely check that. I am thinking that the function of that switch is incorporated in the shift module, however. And it seems if that were the issue then the dash indicator would be mis-reporting the transmission gear position. I am not married to that notion, I realize one part of a module can fail while other parts function as they should. I can't shake the feeling that it is something simpler like a shorted wire or disconnected wire that is telling the reverse lights that the car is in reverse at all times but the rest of the car sees everything as normal. I have checked my rear SAM for water intrusion, as well as the front right and left, and they all were dry as could be. Any help that anyone could offer will be greatly appreciated. Even a basic rundown of the chain of communication of the reverse lights and the red warning message about Park would maybe shed some light on the problem.
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