'98 V70 - Brake lights stuck on - sometimes don't work...

idahoman74 · Post by **idahoman74** » 11 Dec 2010, 20:07

Bake lights come on when car is off, and sometimes flicker on/off when I am driving - they popped on the other night and I awoke to a dead battery - started happening after snow storm (not sure of that's relevant) but I did have to lean on the brakes pretty heavily a few times... any ideas on what the problem is and how I fix it? Any help is much appreciated. This is in my '98 v70 wagon. Thanks.

Post by **jblackburn** » 11 Dec 2010, 20:19

You need to buy a new brake switch, just above the brake pedal under the dash. They're about $40.

Post by **BEJinFbk** » 11 Dec 2010, 20:27

Sounds more like it's just loose.
I'd probably have a look first...
You'll find it just above the brake pedal.

Post by **cn90** » 11 Dec 2010, 21:11

Maybe the switch is corroded or out of spec.
- Adjust it.
- Spray some WD-40 on the switch and see what happens.

idahoman74 · Post by **idahoman74** » 12 Dec 2010, 11:12

thanks for the tips and advice all, so a quick question, how do I tighten or adjust the brake light switch (what the heck am I looking for?)- I'd like to give this a shot before replacing...

Thanks

Post by **cn90** » 12 Dec 2010, 11:33

There are 2 ways:

1. The Volvo way, search forum for tip.

2. My way: get a pair of pliers and gently bend the bracket holding the switch down just a tad, maybe 1-2 mm and that is all.
This is because over 10yrs/100K miles of usage, the tip of the switch is worn, so you compensate that by bring the tip of the switch "closer" to the pedal.

PS: If you have cruise control, then there are 2 switches above the brake pedal: 1 for cruise (you will see the vacuum hose attached to it, and 1 for brake light ---> this is the one you want to adjust).

Post by **jblackburn** » 12 Dec 2010, 14:24

Don't bend the bracket. The switch itself is adjustable in small increments.

I just replaced mine today (the brake contacts worked fine; the shiftlock part of the switch worked, at best, a few times a month). All you need to do is remove the lower kick panel to your dash. There's a single T25 screw under the steering column; then pull directly back and down with it and it will come out. There's a little light connection at the left; stick a knife or something under the tab and pry up on it slightly and it will let go.

Then look directly above the brake pedal arm, and you will see it. The switch needs to be flush against the pedal when the brakes are not being pressed on; push this part of the switch towards it until it makes contact and the plunger is fully depressed. Then have a helper (or a camera) look at the back of the car and lightly press on the pedal to see if the brake lights activate. If you move it too close, your shiftlock will stop working, so back it off again just a tad.

Here's the switch I am talking about; and the adjustable part is shown with the arrows.

idahoman74 · Post by **idahoman74** » 13 Dec 2010, 12:48

jablackburn wrote:Don't bend the bracket. The switch itself is adjustable in small increments.

I just replaced mine today (the brake contacts worked fine; the shiftlock part of the switch worked, at best, a few times a month). All you need to do is remove the lower kick panel to your dash. There's a single T25 screw under the steering column; then pull directly back and down with it and it will come out. There's a little light connection at the left; stick a knife or something under the tab and pry up on it slightly and it will let go.

Then look directly above the brake pedal arm, and you will see it. The switch needs to be flush against the pedal when the brakes are not being pressed on; push this part of the switch towards it until it makes contact and the plunger is fully depressed. Then have a helper (or a camera) look at the back of the car and lightly press on the pedal to see if the brake lights activate. If you move it too close, your shiftlock will stop working, so back it off again just a tad.

Here's the switch I am talking about; and the adjustable part is shown with the arrows.

Perfect and thank you! Followed it to the T and issue is now resolved - thanks so much for the step by step directions.

idahoman74 · Post by **idahoman74** » 13 Dec 2010, 12:49

Issue resolved - 2nd time in a few weeks - thanks all.

Post by **abscate** » 11 Apr 2013, 09:13

If you back the car against a wall at night, and tip the rear view mirror, you can see the lights working in the mirror while you adjust the switch.

If you still cant see them, remove your sunglasses.