Damned rear lights!!!!! 740gl

NCC-74656 · Post by **NCC-74656** » 22 Mar 2006, 06:35

On the left hand rear side of my 740, all lights work (no fog lamps on my model).

On the right hand side its a different story.

The indicator works, the reverse lamp works, but every other lamp doesnt (tail, brakes,).

I have shifted the working lamps from the left hand side to the right hand side and they still dont work.... Anyone had this problem and know a quick remedy?

Only had the volvo 4 hours and im already pulling it to bits!!!!!

Peter Coutts · Post by **Peter Coutts** » 22 Mar 2006, 11:10

Be patient....

The 740 rear lights, like other parts/assemblies of the car, has some quirky but ingenious solutions to engineering. The light bulb bases (round plastic bulb holder) have some tabs that fit into the housing with a push and turn method. There is a common grounding metal strip going along the housing...at least that is the way in the wagon version.

As side from the common bulb burn out they will work great....until some mechanic use to working on NA vehicles breaks a tab or the slot in the light housing..then the trouble starts.

Check for a broken tab on the socket or broken receiving piece in the housing...this will allow one side of the bulb socket to lift and lose connects. From there it is difficult to get it fixed because of the brittleness of the plastic due to age. I have used epoxy, wiring and various glue methods with some luck, however the Canadian winter usually beats me. I even have a piece of 2'x2' wood jambed against the car body against the back of the light bulb base in efforts to get things to hold connections. Also check the wires that connect to the metal tabs...sometimes they will come loose...but generally only when a mechanic or yourself has broken something.

This is a good place to start looking for your problem. Good luck

Peter Coutts · Post by **Peter Coutts** » 22 Mar 2006, 11:19

I should add another item to my previous...

Be watchful of the tab sizes fitting back into the correct hold position. You will note that one tab on the bulb holder is larger than the rest...it has to fit back in the correct position. If by chance you have a broken housing you could put things back incorrectly and still will not get the lights working even if you have the correct pressure to have all connections touching.

I would suggest that you remove the complete light housing out of the car and work that way as you will be able to see everything better and tend not to get frustrated. On the wagon things are very difficult to get at and see if your hands are not small....may be easier on the sedan.