None of the lights work

dbraddock · Post by **dbraddock** » 03 Jul 2015, 18:31

Hey guys,

Recently bought a 1995 850 na with unknown miles for $600 as a way to keep the apartment from taking back my second spot. The car runs and drives ok, needs interior cosmetic work, power steering issues but the main concern is that none of the exterior lights and windshield wipers don't work. No brake, reverse, turn or low beam. I can get the corner lights to stay on with the switch turned half way and the high beams but nothing else. This is an obvious hazard. What should I look for? The seller seemed to be a real stand up guy, vet and currently in training for the local pd. Ive asked him about the issue once I got home but he doesn't respond to my calls/texts.

I noticed this wire just hanging there but couldn't find the plug for it.

Post by **bskeels** » 03 Jul 2015, 20:43

Have you checked the fuses and/or tried new bulbs? That is where I would start. You are checking the other lights (headlights, turn, and reverse) with the key at least in the second position if not running?

Post by **Ozark Lee** » 03 Jul 2015, 22:33

If you can post back the wire colors that go to that connector we can probably figure out where it should plug in.

...Lee

Post by **E Showell** » 04 Jul 2015, 05:31

The connector looks like the behind the dash "auxiliary connector" in which case it may well plug into nothing -- i.e., it may be unused unless you have a bunch of accessories craving a power source.

I hate electrical gremlins.

dbraddock · Post by **dbraddock** » 04 Jul 2015, 12:55

Everything seemed to work out. Ignition switch is on its way out and bad brake switch. I picked up an extra one at the yard, if you need one shoot me a message. Currently sitting in a walgreens parking lot with a dead battery. Ironically I added roadside assistance for this car last night to my insurance policy so the jump or tow will be free

Post by **BEJinFbk** » 04 Jul 2015, 16:30

+1 for starting at the ignition switch.
You may also have a bad overload relay,
but the ignition switch is a much more
common point of failure in these cars.

The yellow connector does indeed appear
to be the accessory connector. Volvo provided
it as a power point for aftermarket accessories.
Most owners don't even realize that it exists, so
it's nearly always left unused.

dbraddock · Post by **dbraddock** » 05 Jul 2015, 00:51

My happiness was short lived. I got a jump start but the car barely stayed on and died a block away. Had a really tough time gaining any speed. Battery light is on, the battery itself looks old although no date sticker. I believe both the alternator and the battery are in need of replacement. Correct me if I am wrong

Post by **abscate** » 05 Jul 2015, 04:54

You will need a voltmeter reading of battery and alternator to proceed, to see if alternator is outputting. If the battery is really dead that might prevent the car from running even after a jump.

Can you swap the battery from another car to get it to your parking space ?

dbraddock · Post by **dbraddock** » 05 Jul 2015, 10:46

Tow was free with insurance. I can swap the battery from my Z. I thought the battery has nothing to do with the car running once it's started and the alternator takes over the load.

matt122s · Post by **matt122s** » 05 Jul 2015, 11:18

If the alternator is bad and there isn't enough output from the alternator for the electronic ignition the car will run off of the battery until the battery is dead. If you have any other accessories on as well it will drain the battery that much quicker. You really need to check the alternator output and go from there. Best of luck.