740 GLE 1986 Right break light disfunctioning

ashleyslane87 · Post by **ashleyslane87** » 21 Sep 2009, 21:33

My right rear break lights are out. I've changed my number 4 fuse for the break lights, and replaced all the lights as well. It worked fine after that for 4 hours and now doesnt work. I figure wiring might be the problem. If it's possible I'd like to fix this myself, so any advice would be appreciated

Post by **billofdurham** » 22 Sep 2009, 11:27

Welcome to Matthew's Volvo Site.

If the fuse had blown all of the brake lights would have stopped working.

Remove the brake lamp bulb and check the contacts in the bulb housing. They may be dirty or not making good contact with the bulb. The centre contact can be pulled up a little and the other contact can be eased nearer to the bulb to ensure good contact.

If this doesn't cure it check for 12 volts at the bulb holder using a voltmeter. You will need someone to press the pedal.

Bill.

ashleyslane87 · Post by **ashleyslane87** » 22 Sep 2009, 14:06

I've been trying to look up the schematics. My rear passenger brake light won't work, I've replaced the bulbs and fuses. I was told the problems probably with my ground wire, that it's either corroded or loose. I've looked everywhere online to try to find the schematics but have no luck. HELP please!

Mod Edit: Merged Threads; Please try to refrain from making duplicate threads. Thanks

Post by **JDS60R** » 22 Sep 2009, 17:07

It looks lke you have checked the fuse and bulb. Start at the bulb again and make sure it hasn't blown again due to a faulty ground etc. While you have the bulb outplease inspect the socket, clean any rust or corrosion and pack it with some dielctric grease (available at any part stores - some tims called tune up grease as it is placed on the sprk plug boots where they go over the plugs).

If the bulb and socket are ok but still no light it is time to substitute a good ground and then a good positive. By running a test lead from a good gound on the car body to the bulb socket you can see if you are missing a good ground (hook up wire thenstep on pedal -see if light is working). Then substitute a good positive and check the light. Now start tracking the wires backwards from the light to the fuse box. Seperate and clean every junction until you find it. We are working from the bulb to the fuse box as the wires outside the car body are more prone to corrosion as they face the weather elements.

Let us know what fixed it.