Hi there,
new owner to a well loved 88 240DL sedan.

Backup lights circuit keeps popping the fuse.

after doing some reading, it is either the power contacts in the lamp
housing (beefing up the contact with brass shim stock)

or a fault switch in the gear selector.

Funny, I did notice that the shifter can be shifted throughout all
gears without pushing the button on top, and it does not lock in park
position.

can this be why my reverse light circuit keeps popping?

when it does blow the fuse, you can hear a ticking noise from behind
the glovebox.

Is there some kind of relay back there that could be at fault?

Much help needed as this is keeping me from passing my inspection.
Robert Dietz? any words of wisdom?
thanks
Kevin
the new guy