240 DL Sedan 1990 Tail Lights

[LikeAGloveBox]

Thanks for yuo reply, Bill.

Is there a different light for bulb failure? The light that comes on says "brake failure" and didn't come on when we jury rigged it. It started coming on at the same time everything went out. It would come on when I pressed the brake sometimes and go off or stay on. If it stayed on, sometimes when I pressed the brake it would go off.

I have not checked or changed the marker light. Like the other lights though, it didn't work, then it did, and now it doesn't again. I have some good bulbs so I'll go ahead and change it though later today.

I've read that the brake failure switch could possibly not be centered. Could that make sense for what I am seeing?

Thanks,
Patrick

[billofdurham]

The reason I queried the light is that they are side by side on the instrument panel. The brake failure is red and the bulb failure is yellow. Having checked the owner's manual for the US models it would appear that the brake failure has that written on it, so you couldn't mistake it for the bulb failure light which has a picture of a bulb with a X through it.

The brake failure light comes on to warn of a possible problem with the brake system. This does not include the lights.

This is from the owner's manual:

If the light comes on while driving and the brake pedal can be depressed further than normal, it is an indication that one of the brake circuits is not functioning. Stop immediately, open engine hood and check brake fluid level (see section "Brake fluid, power steering").
Reservoir empty: do NOT drive. Tow car to shop for check/repair of brake system. Reservoir not empty: proceed immediately and with caution to a Volvo dealer for an inspection of the brake system.

Brake fluid level low?
When the light comes on do you have more travel on the brake pedal?

If the answer is "No" to both then it is possible that the switch is sticking occasionally. The remedy is fairly simple. The switch is located in the brake pipe junction block which is under the car, front end, on the driver's side. It has several brake pipes coming from it and a switch on the top with a spade connector for a cable. Unhook the cable and remove the switch, you should be able to get a deep socket on it. You will see a hole in the switch. Stick something in the hole to re-centre the plunger, refit the switch and cable.

If the answer is "Yes" to either then you have a problem with the brake system. Ignore the advice from the owner's manual about going to the Volvo dealer. Ask here if you need help.

Bill.

[LikeAGloveBox]

Thanks again, Bill.

Well, I found the 8-pole connectors and replaced both of them. I'm still in the same boat. I still have both rear turn signals, running/brake lights on passenger's side, neither on driver's side. The driver's side marker light is still out. I tested the lightbulb and it is fine. However, I am no longer getting the "brake failure" light. Not sure if the cold weather and sitting could have anything to do with that change, or if it actually has something to do with replacing the connectors. I didn't remember to check the brake fluid, but the brakes respond just as well as they always have.

So if my bulb malfunction light isn't coming on, I shouldn't worry about the bulb malfunction sensor? I haven't seen it come on even when I have had a light out before, but I think when I got the car it stayed on all the time even though all the lights worked. That was the only thing wrong with the car that I could tell when I first bought it. The mechanic fixed that somehow when I took it in for service later on. It's probably worth nothing that the driver's side tail light had been replaced previously. The car came with an extra tail light fixture. At this point though, everything from 2 inches of wire before the connectors all the way to the light bulbs is new or at least tested and functional.

I've taken an electronics course before, but I'm still not all that fast with wiring diagrams. So frustrating knowing that the answer is probably right there in front of me.

[billofdurham]

So if my bulb malfunction light isn't coming on......I haven't seen it come on even when I have had a light out before, but I think when I got the car it stayed on all the time even though all the lights worked. ......... The mechanic fixed that somehow when I took it in for service later on.

He either replaced it or, more likely as it doesn't come on when you have a bulb out, bypassed it. If it has been bypassed your car is like the majority on non-Volvos - one less warning light to worry about.

Two suggestions:
1. Check for 12 volts at the offending lights or
2. Run a wire from the passenger side connector to one of the driver's side bulbs to see if that bulb works. You may have a bad circuit board, a bad earth (ground) or bad bulbs. This will also tell you whether or not the malfunction sensor has been bypassed as the 'bulb out' light should go on.

Bill.