91 240 wagon - exterior light problems

e777 · Post by **e777** » 16 Jul 2021, 14:00

As you can see from my other posts, this is a very, very, very challenging period for me and my junky fleet of RWD Volvos

. My patience is definitely being put to the test. Before posting my question, I'll mention in passing how just two days ago, yet another car, my daily driver, a 90 740 wagon, blew the head gasket at 290K. That repair seems like a breeze compared to the other issues, including this one.

Weird issues with the lights in my 240 wagon. Key in "on" position, the three brake lights and front left running light all turn on and stay on. Turn the ignition on, no change. Turn the car off, all lights turn off. I swapped out the bulb failure relay just for kicks, and that did nothing.
Thanks.

Post by **volvolugnut** » 16 Jul 2021, 15:04

Sounds to me like a low voltage battery or bad power connections. The attempt to start requires more current than the battery can provide and everything goes dark. If the the car starts and runs ok, then check power connections to the ignition switch. Position 2 and 3 may have different connections to the lights.
Keep trying, these rear drive Volvos are worth saving.

volvolugnut

e777 · Post by **e777** » 16 Jul 2021, 16:26

volvolugnut wrote: 16 Jul 2021, 15:04 Sounds to me like a low voltage battery or bad power connections. The attempt to start requires more current than the battery can provide and everything goes dark. If the the car starts and runs ok, then check power connections to the ignition switch. Position 2 and 3 may have different connections to the lights.
Keep trying, these rear drive Volvos are worth saving.

volvolugnut

Excellent suggestion. I will check the ignition switch. thanks.