Passenger tail light won't come on even with new bulb! :(

VolvoQueen · Post by **VolvoQueen** » 11 Nov 2006, 14:17

Hello all,

I have a 740 GL '90, recently the rear window and passenger side tail light went out and I had both bulbs changed. The rear window light worked again but the passenger side tail light does not work even with bulb replacement. I need to get my car inspected this month and am trying to save money in fixing this problem, as my mechanic gave me an estimate of about $425 to fix this, claiming I need to get an entire new tail light assembly. My question is, what part do I actually need? Has anyone had this problem before and can offer advice and things to try first to fix it rather than spend the money to get a whole new assembly? I was told by one junkyard we deal with that it could be a simple wiring issue, but I know very little about repairing cars. On that note I fear I'd be spending way too much replacing the whole tail light assembly (again this is passenger side) when something else may fix it for far cheaper.

Please help! I have found the part online for an average of $180 (includes bulb holders, but would I need those?) which would still save me money, but one way or the other, I just need to know if this is the correct part I need and/or there are other ways around it.

*sigh* Love my Volvo (Sofia) but she just HAS to have this problem now! I'm really strapped for cash, too, I had to get rear brakes done and a timing belt/water pump repair also this year, for this 16 year old gal.

Your responses will be well appreciated, thanks!

~Evelynne~

Post by **billofdurham** » 11 Nov 2006, 15:27

As you seem to have no problem with other lights in that light assembly it would be fairly safe to assume that the ground connection is OK.

The first thing I would do, and you may have done this already, is to try the new bulb in a light you know to be working - I have had new bulbs that were dud!

Check that 12 volts is arriving at the bulb holder. Run a test light from the positive wire for that bulb to ground with the lights switched on. If the test light works the problem is in the bulb holder.

Next is to check the contacts in the bulb holder for corrosion. If necessary clean them with a fine grade wet and dry paper - dry.

If that does not work I would think that the bulb holder is defective on that bulb. Replace the bulb holder, you definitely do not need a complete light unit. You'll probably pick one up at the junk yard. I did.

Bill.

VolvoQueen · Post by **VolvoQueen** » 13 Nov 2006, 08:20

billofdurham wrote:As you seem to have no problem with other lights in that light assembly it would be fairly safe to assume that the ground connection is OK.

The first thing I would do, and you may have done this already, is to try the new bulb in a light you know to be working - I have had new bulbs that were dud!

Check that 12 volts is arriving at the bulb holder. Run a test light from the positive wire for that bulb to ground with the lights switched on. If the test light works the problem is in the bulb holder.

Next is to check the contacts in the bulb holder for corrosion. If necessary clean them with a fine grade wet and dry paper - dry.

If that does not work I would think that the bulb holder is defective on that bulb. Replace the bulb holder, you definitely do not need a complete light unit. You'll probably pick one up at the junk yard. I did.

Bill.

Thank you, Bill. I'm going to print out your response and try to get help in checking these aspects of it. I have NO idea about how to check wiring or anything like that but what you said makes sense, especially checking the bulb holders for corrosion. Thank you!

VolvoQueen · Post by **VolvoQueen** » 29 Nov 2006, 05:45

Just to update you Bill in case you were interested....it was discovered some of the connectors in the bulb holders were corroded due to water....probably old seals weren't doing the job anymore and water was getting into the tail light. I get the whole thing at a junkyard and had a friend install it, works great now!
Thanks for your advice.

ps- That same person found a great way to get the cabin light fixed (it was hanging due to the wear and tear of the roof padding), they used a plastic tie to get around it and hold it up. Works great and costs nothing! As he said, "Always a cheaper way to fix something." (And with Volvos, you need that.)

Post by **billofdurham** » 29 Nov 2006, 11:49

Thank you for the update. Pleased that you got it fixed.

Like your friend I am a great believer in finding the cheapest solution to any problem.

Bill.