240 wagon - Breaking causes one Taillight to go out.

[oldox]

On a 1986 240 Wagon:

With all lights seeming to work OK, depressing the break pedal causes the right taillight to extinguish and the companion Break light does not illuminate.

The Left Break light and the center/rear window break lights do come on.

My son-in-law followed a car today that exhibited the same symptoms. It wasn't a Volvo.

Perhaps this is a generic condition.

ed

[Kmaniac in California USA]

Hi Ed:

One of the few weak points on a Volvo is the taillight design. The thin plastic circuit board material combined with the twist-in bulb holders have a tendency to make poor contact. This condition almost always triggers the "No brake light" warning light on the dashboard on cars so equipped. This light shows a picture of a light bulb with a slash through it.

Here is what I posted to someone else with a similar problem:

My 1986 740 GLE suffers from the recurring "No Bulb" light. Here are some tips to try:

1. The brake light bulbs have dual filiments, one for tail light and one for brake light. These bulbs can sometimes degenerate, causing voltage leaks between circuits. If your bulbs have been in for some time, I would suggest replacing both for good measure.

2. The bulb holders have metal tabs that make contact with the printed circuit metal on the taillight assembly. Over time, these contacts become deformed and corroded. If the problem persists after replacing the bulbs, then do the following; Polish the tabs with steel wool to remove any corrosion; bend the tabs slightly away from the bulb holder to allow greater contact force; lube the tab surfaces with silicone (dielectric) grease.

3. Be sure the check your electrical connections in the trunk, including the ground wire for integrity. Lubing them with silicone grease won't hurt, either.

This was a continuous problem with my 740 when I bought the car. I think it was one of the many little problems that convinced the previous owner to sell the car to me for cheap. Once I did the above, the problem went away. From time to time, however, the bulb warning light will come on again. I have narrowed this to one bulb holder than looses connection with vibration over time. I just wiggle that holder around in the socket and problem goes away for awhile.

I hope this helps you out. Let us know what you find.