Brake lights

Hondachuck · Post by **Hondachuck** » 13 Oct 2017, 20:40

Dash says check brake light....changed the bulbs all the brake lights work and dash still says check brake light

Any tips thanks for the help

Georgeandkira · Post by **Georgeandkira** » 14 Oct 2017, 11:32

I have had success matching the resistance of the bulbs in my stash using an ohm meter.

Many say that Osram brand bulbs and Volvo brand bulbs are of the 'European Spec" which keeps our bad bulb detector's micro-brain happy.

I just experienced a persistent brake light warning and learned that the right side bulb holder had melted a bit and had scorched metal contacts. I cleaned the metal and trimmed any plastic drips. Jiggling the bulb holder with the brake pedal depressed gave me a constant circuit. Then it would shake loose-or whatever-again.

It finally quieted down and has been working OK.

All this falls under the heading of "inadequately engineered plastic car crap" and we've all dealt with it before.

What also might be happening is "lingering warning syndrome". I swear I got bake light warnings which came for no apparent reason (no bulb out) and went away on their own.

Anytime you touch anything with these lights be sure to apply dielectric grease to the contacts. I'm told that resistances are compared (hence the recommendation of matched bulbs) and I just think it's better to clean 'em and grease 'em. Kira

Post by **kahl** » 14 Oct 2017, 13:47

I just ran into this problem. Here are some pictures showing the damage. Note the carbon scores and broken due to melting of the bracket plastic tabs. Had to replace assembly. P/N 9154494 right side.

Post by **precopster** » 14 Oct 2017, 16:52

Had the same problem on my 2001 T5. Replaced with a used assembly. It's great that Volvo designed them to come out easily but they get low marks for design here.

nickbw898 · Post by **nickbw898** » 17 Jan 2018, 01:32

Me too - great pics by the way.