headlights? we don't need no stinking headlights.

nashingteath · Post by **nashingteath** » 12 Jul 2006, 20:21

ok here is my problem. my headlights wont work. i have new bulbs and a new headlamp relaymy wires and conections are good. my fuses are good. my switch on the dash will turn on the parking lamps but not my lights but i am convinced that the switch its good. i took it apart and looked it over and even cleaned it. my brights will flash on but only when i pull the brights lever back and then off as it moves back to its normal position, so that they wont just stay on. the last thing in line that i can see is replacing the lever and the switch. am i missing anything? i am dying here. any help and i will send you a beer. i guess i should add that this is all on a 86 volvo 240 gl and it is the most fun to drive.

Post by **billofdurham** » 13 Jul 2006, 12:30

The headlights on your car should be wired through the ignition switch to prevent leaving them on when the vehicle is parked. In other words ignition off - headlights off. I assume you have tried the lights with the ignition on. I also assume that neither main beam nor dip beam are working.

You say you have a new relay - which one? There are two relays on your car.
1. The headlamp relay which should have two yellow wires connected to terminals 86 & 87, a green & red wire connected to terminal 30 and a black wire connected to terminal 85 (earth or ground).

2. A step relay which is connected to terminal 87 on the headlamp relay (yellow wire). The other terminals on the step relay are:
31b which has a brown wire to the turn signal switch,
15 which has 2 wires, a red to the battery & a blue connected to itself at terminal 81a
56a which has 2 red wires attached which go to the headlight main beams and a white & red wire which goes to the main beam indicator lamp
56b which has 1 blue wire going to the bulb failure sensor and then to the dipped headlights.

It is possible that this relay is giving problems.

The only way I can think of to test the whole system is to remove the plug from the rear of the light switch. Switch the ignition on and using a voltmeter test the Yellow & Blue wire at the plug. This is the main lead in to the switch and should show 12 volts. Reconnect the plug and go to the headlamp relay and with ignition and headlamps switched on test at terminal 86 then 87 (both yellow wires). If you register 12 volts then follow the yellow wire to the step relay and test at terminal 56a (2 red 1 red & white). You could also test at 56b (blue) to see if you have power at the dip beam.

When testing at terminal 56a remember to put the lever to the main beam position.

I'm sorry I can not give the exact location of the step relay but you should be able to trace it by the wires.

Bill.

LaRy · Post by **LaRy** » 13 Jul 2006, 14:55

According to information I found in Haynes Manual the step relay is placed behind the panel in drivers footwell, up in the left corner. Cose to the air outlet.

nashingteath · Post by **nashingteath** » 13 Jul 2006, 15:57

could you tell me what the step relay looks like. i have found a sylvania tr2029 12 volt relay that is round and silver and gets really hot with the ignition on. i will keep looking. thanks alot adios. i get this fixed and i will mail you a beer.

wojeepster · Post by **wojeepster** » 13 Jul 2006, 18:21

I have found the volvo wiring diagrams to be the best of any car I have ever had. A little pricey $27 from volvo technical publications but they show you each wiring circuit separately so you can sort it out (power on and in some cases with power off). Also shows very clearly where every ground on the car is. I think they are worth it. The other book to get is "how to diagnose and repair automobile electrical systems" by tim martin it is light years better than everything else out there I think it is about $16

Post by **billofdurham** » 14 Jul 2006, 11:23

Different manufacturers make relays different shapes. Can't tell you what the step relay looks like but check the number of wires and their colours as in my previous post. There won't be too many with 2 reds, 1 red & white and 1 blue coming out of them.

Bill.

nashingteath · Post by **nashingteath** » 15 Jul 2006, 00:13

i hope this fixes my problem. just in case though, you don't think that it would be a wire short or a blinker/high beam switch problem do you? if i cant get em to work soon i am going to run sepreate wires and relay and mount a toggle switch on my dash or something. oh yah and while i was trackin this i noticed that my wires to me washer pump were completely rotten. just keeps getting better. thanks again for everything.

nashingteath · Post by **nashingteath** » 21 Jul 2006, 23:04

was the relay near left foot. silver doohickie clipped to the fire wall. 13 bucks plus shipping. what a deal. where do i send the beer? now i post up my next problem. this sight rocks.