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1996 Volvo 850 (Base) High Mount Brake Light Topic is solved

Help, Advice and DIY Tutorials on Volvo's P80 platform cars -- Volvo's 1990s "bread and butter" cars -- powered by the ubiquitous and durable Volvo inline 5-cylinder engine.

1992 - 1997 850, including 850 R, 850 T-5R, 850 T-5, 850 GLT
1997 - 2000 S70, S70 AWD
1997 - 2000 V70, V70 AWD
1997 - 2000 V70-XC
1997 - 2004 C70

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jotoya
Posts: 25
Joined: 30 June 2009
Year and Model: 1996 850
Location: USA - Midwest
Has thanked: 6 times
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1996 Volvo 850 (Base) High Mount Brake Light

Post by jotoya »

Hello,

I attempted to search for high mount brake light (HMBL) posts but was unable to find what I was looking for.

My HMBL is intermittently coming on and off. I recently replaced my brake switch and my standard brake lights are working fine. It's only the HMBL that's faulty. IPD is selling the assembly for $60 but I'd hate to drop that money if there are workarounds.

Any guidance is appreciated.

Many thanks!

454cid
Posts: 1248
Joined: 6 January 2022
Year and Model: 1996 850
Location: United States
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Post by 454cid »

Mine seems to have a loose connection, but I have yet to investigate it.
1996 850
1999 S70 GLT (sold after deer hit)

2010 Ford Focus SE
2006 Cadillac CTS
1996 Mercedes C220
1999 Chevrolet K3500
1969 Buick LeSabre Custom 400

jotoya
Posts: 25
Joined: 30 June 2009
Year and Model: 1996 850
Location: USA - Midwest
Has thanked: 6 times
Been thanked: 6 times

Post by jotoya »

Update:

But first - want to say how thankful I am that this site exists. I am resurrecting my 96 850 and again, very thankful for the assistance I've received.

As it relates to the update - I ended up unplugging the two connectors at the bottom and sliding out the whole assembly. I cleaned all connectors, used a fresh bulb and dialectic grease. I used a long breaker bar to press the brake pedal while I reassembled the unit. Upon reassembly and before I slid the unit back against the window, the light, once again, was coming on/off intermittently.

As I was about to give up for the afternoon, I decided to finish the reassembly and slide the unit back. All of a sudden, I happen to press the whole unit downward and the light came on. I started fiddling with it by gently pressing the whole unit up/down/side-to-side and finally, as I was sliding the unit towards the window, it "clicked" and the light stayed on and has worked for the last 24-hours - that includes lots of city driving and going through bumps.

This may or may not help someone else but at least it's another troubleshooting angle to work with.

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