Brake lights not working 2003 v70

dkuem · Post by **dkuem** » 13 Oct 2009, 10:07

The main brake lights on my 2003 v70 are not working, just the light in the center. I am getting a message "check stop lamp". Both bulbs are good, This started intermittantly, now is on everytime I stop. All my other lights are ok.

Post by **OEMVolvoParts** » 14 Oct 2009, 11:09

Look in the owners manual for the rear fuse panel located on the left side in the cargo area. It will show you which fuse controls the brake lights, check that fuse first. Im willing to bet it is blown. I believe it is fuse #3 which is 15amp.

dkuem · Post by **dkuem** » 14 Oct 2009, 18:16

Thanks for the reply. I had already checked the fuse and it's good. I also replaced both lamps, checked the ground on both sides and verified continuity between the plug and the bulb fixture. I called a friend at my local Volvo dealer and he said it may be a software issue.

Post by **OEMVolvoParts** » 15 Oct 2009, 09:48

Next thing to check is the relay. This is far more common than a software issue and much cheaper. There are generic relays in the REM (rear electronic module) that fail, and we have changed quite a few for this exact problem.

dkuem · Post by **dkuem** » 11 Nov 2009, 18:09

Turns out it was a bad relay. You can tell which relay it is by having someone step on the brake while you are at the REM and you can find the relay by listening for the click or feeling the click. This particular relay is blue and only cost $8.50 for the part. I was shocked, I didn't know Volvo had any parts in this price range for this car.

rusty1980 · Post by **rusty1980** » 28 Aug 2010, 06:59

i have a 2002 v70 and i have a problem where as the two side brake lights don`t work but the eye level one does i`ve changed the bulbs fuses and relay but still no joy what else could it be ??

Trevor W · Post by **Trevor W** » 12 May 2012, 14:15

Hi guys.
I had the same problem on my V70 recently. You need to remove the inspection panel and the side panel in front of it (undo a 10mm bolt and then prise the panel off from the top edge). You can then see the whole of the Rear Electronic Module. The relay you're looking for is RM15. If the original Volvo relay is in place, it's easy to spot, because it's the only blue one on the board. Replacing it should cure the fault.