I found out that I don't have any brake lights. A scarry situation. I also realized that i don't know where the brake light switch is located so any help with this will really be appreciated.
Is there an adjustment for the switch to get it to make contact better?
It might be the time to get the SWEM switch, if it is available.
Dennis C

Thanks to both Joe and Ron for the switch and wiring tips as well as the 1000 word image. I also won't be surprised if it is the wiring. I found some connections / splice's that we just twisted wire and old tape in the trunk and under the dash. There could be more.

Dennis

Dennis:

The switch is on the fore end of the brake master cylinder. The master cylinder is low near the starter motor -- just follow the brake line from the brake fluid reservoir. The switch is pressure activated.

Try cleaning the contacts and repairing any possibly broken wires down there first. That area is subject to an awful lot of abuse from road debris and heat. Some folks claim WV Beetle brake switches work in the M/C. Also check the wire harness connector in the trunk -- I think it is on the drivers side above the wheel well.

Ron Kwas has a nice mechanical switch. It is a simple installation and does not require any modification to the original wiring or brake pedal assembly. You can even have both hydraulic and mechanical switches active at the same time for belt and suspender safety.

Hope this helps,

Joe M in WV

Dennis;

They are available...see: http://www.intelab.com/swem/swemkits.htm

To go along with Joe's correct info, here's a thousand words:


OE pressure sensing switch is (26) on front end of MC. Once you locate it, check that connections of wires are clean and tight. Verify that it is no longer functioning by turning IGN ON, and bridging connections at switch...if you get brakelights then, but not when stepping on pedal, (typical) OE switch failure mode is confirmed.

Often the OE switch will still close if you stomp on it (as the spring contact gets a sharp shot of pressure), but nobody really drives like that (if you did, you'd wear out your tires and seatbelts, and nobody would EVER want to ride with you again)!

Upgrade mechanical switch (standard later Volvo switch PN3544691) and bracket are fastened by (4) clamp bolt, which connects upper pedal rod to lower actuating arm, and wired in parallel with OE switch. Removal of OE switch is NOT necessary, so brake hydraulic system is not compromised and will not need bleeding.

Credits: Joe M and MacMike and Volvoniacs member (German Vintage Volvo Forum) collaborated in the design, to come up with what all agreed was a clean, well working, upgrade. My recognition and thanks go out to these gentlemen.

Cheers