My brake lights don't work, but all other lights in rear are functioning fine. I checked the fuse for the brake lights, but it also looks OK. I recently had my A/C basic-serviced w/ cooling element replaced/added. Could that have somehow disconnected a wire, etc? If it's not the fuse, could it be the connection that enables brake pedal to trigger the lights? How can I check this myself?

I would like to i.d. (or even fix) the problem myself before going to the shop, if possible, but don't have a shop manual. Just want to be armed with info so they don't try to make it into something it isn't, i.e. something more expensive to fix, as is all too often the case!

Also, any recs on a good, honest independent Volvo shop in Los Angeles? My extended warranty just expired and I want to avoid the dealerships!