I own a 1993 240. I wanted to replace the plastic covers on the rear brake lights so I bought a pair of after-market lens kits which had the entire circuit assembly. The lights would not work properly and the seller told me to swap my original circuit board onto the newer after-market light. Still a problem with the light. My 240 just hit the first 150 thousand mile mark and deserves new brake lights... as reward. What after market lights can I get so I can just plug them in and drive another 150(K). Or, what can I do to the new brake light kits to make them work correctly? I'm not a mechanic and I need a simple solution - and a cheap solution.
Any ideas...
thanks,
Al

Just to reinforce what's already been said, go for OEM tail lights. Somehow in the design of the tail lights, Volvo just made it really difficult for anything to work. OEM parts have enough trouble as it is (many get water inside, and often the circuit boards trigger the bulb failure light), but they are incomparably better than aftermarket parts.

Hit up the junkyards--it's the only solution worth your time with this problem.
--
'89 244 GL -- 122,400 miles (see profile for info on car)

Hr. Hardknocks is absolutely right. I was lucky in that I learned via this BB that aftermerket tail lights are a waste of time and money.

My system has been to "surf" eBay frequently, and contacting the seller of any decent-looking tail lights.

Questions to ask: Does the circuit board part number begin with a "6"?

What is the date code on the marker light lenses? That little circle like a target, in the center ring are two figures, the year. The outer ring has 12 spots with one marked showing the month built. No date stamp = not Volvo.

Look at the picture of the back of the light. The lower outer bulb holder MUST have three contact tabs, all the others have just two.

Note that almost any unit will show indications of leaking, even if from a 1993. Check by looking inside the lower outer bulb chamber from the back side. Remove the bulb holder and mave a light shining in from the lens. Look at the bottom of the chamber, if no leaks it will be nice and shiny. If not, there are ways to seal it up.

Do that before installation.

Try to use a new gasket.

I still keep two 240s running. Tail lights seem a thorn.

Really older tail lights may be of the 5-panel type which are useless to you. If you get a 1985 or older unit, it is possible to convert them to the post-1986 wiring. Need a "6" circuit board and some mods that I will post if needed.

Good Luck,

Bob

:>)

Hi there.
try to get your money back on the aftermarket lights.
search the junkyard or ebay for a good set of volvo lights.
the rear taillights can be a hassle.
the pre 85 240 lights did have a different circuit board than the newer ones.
good luck
mike