Brake Lights

RKB · Post by **RKB** » 30 Jun 2011, 16:22

I started my 2002 S80 T6, applied the brake and received the message "Check Stop Lamp" in the text information window. Checking the brake lights, I found the left and right lights inoperative while the center brake light was still working. The bulbs on both sides checked good. Fuse #3 in the trunk was also good and was getting power. I checked the RMI5 relay by swapping it out with the Rear Fog Lamp relay (RMI6) and the relay checked out OK and it's getting power into the center prong. This represents the limit of my knowledge on inop brake lights. Can anyone please guide me to the next logical step? I'm thinking maybe one of the sending units on the master cylinder, but I'm out of my league here. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

RKB

Post by **Juan62** » 01 Jul 2011, 04:17

Make sure connections are good. It sounds like your brake light switch on the brake pedal. They get worn out over time and not uncommon to fail. Check the ads above (IPD), FCP, etc., for pricing or your local dealership. Not difficult to replace. Do a visual inspection on the switch first, before you order.

Post by **dcarlson12** » 01 Jul 2011, 14:38

He said the middle light is working. Wouldn't that indicate that the brake switch is ok?

RKB · Post by **RKB** » 06 Jul 2011, 22:45

I applied power to the downside of the brake light switch and still only got the center light. Is this normal, or should I be getting all three lights?

RKB · Post by **RKB** » 09 Jul 2011, 17:44

Well, the problem turned out to be simple. It seems there are THREE fuses associated with the brake lights (at least on my car). Fuse #14 in the cargo compartment is located between the shunt 6 and the left and right brake lights. It isn't shown on the wiring diagram. My owner's manual shows slot 14 to be empty, and the wiring diagram manual doesn't even list it. So, if anyone has only the center brake light working, be sure to check the unmapped fuse #14. I'm using a 5A fuse for now but will go to a 10A if this one blows again.

Geordie · Post by **Geordie** » 20 Aug 2011, 22:03

I have a similar issue, only my problem is the two rear brake lights stay on after the car is shut-down & the keys are removed. I tried moving the car up & down the driveway reapplying the brakes, removing/replacing the fuse, disconnecting the battery for an ECM reset. This last attempt has worked once , however, it did come back 2 days later. My 3rd brakelight also is not affected in this situation & does work with a pedal application but does not stay on with the rear ones. I shall look @ the #14 fuse for my '99 S80 as a fix.

Geordie · Post by **Geordie** » 03 Sep 2011, 17:53

Nope. It was the relay that I exchanged for the back-up lights relay. New Xemodex ETM works well!

carguydean1 · Post by **carguydean1** » 21 Sep 2011, 13:51

I have the same left & right brake light outage. center works. i have downloaded electrical distribution & component locator diagrams. owner manual indicates only 1 brake light fuse. a previous post here indicates a # 14. is that a fuse or relay. I have no fuse in the 14 slot. is a previous post getting fuses & relays confused?? according to the diagrams, there are 2 relays, 15 and 7? the 2 diagrams are the same layout, but everything is labeled differently when comparing them. car has new rotrs, pads, tires, brakes. airbag light on etc etc... now this. 2001 S80

Geordie · Post by **Geordie** » 26 Sep 2011, 15:48

Sounds like your relay. Cheep to replace. In trunk next to fuses (black plug-in style Volvo-Type 1= $16.10 to replace). Just unplug trial & error with key on.