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Brake Light Switch 91 240 Wagon 200

Okay, so I have no brake lights working on my wagon and have tried new bulbs, cleaned all grounds and connections, tested the fuse, examined the bulb out sensor (red canister), and have come down to the brake light switch. I used the test on clean flame trap site and found that I have 12v going in (blue/red) wire but when I tested the switch by connecting to the green/red and depressing the brake, I got nothing. So I am guessing that inhave a bad switch.

I couldn't find any explanation of how to change the switch out in the Bently manual or on the web. I pulled out the instrument closeted and have the knee bolster out but I am guessing that the metal bracket must come out.

Any input on how to get this thing changednout would be greatly appreciated!

Chris








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    Brake Light Switch 91 240 Wagon 200

    I had to work on this switch on my 1990 245. Art's page is spot on. Do not attempt to even see the switch without pulling the speedo cluster.

    My problem was the switch was out of adjustment. I fixed the high tech way. I bent the bracket slightly to make it come on when the brakes are just tapped.

    Getting to it really is a pain.

    Hawkeye








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    Brake Light Switch 91 240 Wagon 200

    Examinged Bulb out sensor. What does that mean. When they go bad, they look fine.
    Here's some info on What color wirs go into the Sensor and to the brakelights. You may want to check teh voltage going into the Sensor to verify if the Brake peddle switch is working.

    http://cleanflametrap.com/tony/volvo_brake_lights_v0.htm
    --
    '75 Jeep CJ5 345Hp ChevyPwrd, two motorcycles, '85 Pickup: The '89 Volvo is the newest vehicle I own. it wasn't Volvos safety , it was Longevity that sold me http://home.lyse.net/brox/TonyPage4.html








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      Brake Light Switch 91 240 Wagon 200

      Thanks for the reply, Tony. I actually used the tests on your website to diagnose. When I say examined, I pulled it apart to look for any apparent issues. I found another unit at the junkyard to swap in, but again cannot be sure it works as the lights still do not work when I put it in.

      I did check the switch though and found that I get 12v going into the switch but when I measure the other side and depress the pedal I do not get 12v coming back which leads me to believe it is the switch.








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        Brake Light Switch 91 240 Wagon 200

        There's a way you could be fooled by making the measurement exactly as you have written. Not saying your switch is indeed OK, but if you use a meter, with no load, the voltage could show up on the power side of the switch and then disappear once you close the switch by pressing down on the pedal.

        Whenever you make a voltage measurement, especially with a meter or LED test light, make sure the load is connected. In this case it would mean you need to test for voltage on BOTH sides of the switch WHILE the switch is on. If still missing on one side, then, yes the switch is bad.

        Meanwhile I will dig up my notes on switch replacement and post them, but I still warn you to be thorough about indicting the switch, because changing it is no picnic.
        --
        Art Benstein near Baltimore

        THE FOUR STAGES OF LIFE:
        1) You believe in Santa Claus.
        2) You don't believe in Santa Claus.
        3) You are Santa Claus.
        4) You look like Santa Claus.








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          Brake Light Switch 91 240 Wagon 200

          click here for notes








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            Brake Light Switch 91 240 Wagon 200

            This is exactly the info I needed. I will go back and retest the switch as recommended before changing it out. I went ahead and decided to just order a new bulb failure relay with some other parts so I can just swamp it in to test it out. Should have my parts end of week. I really appreciate everyones input. I will update with the outcome!

            Chris








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              Brake Light Switch 91 240 Wagon 200

              Well, I do appreciate everyone who advised not to give up on checking the bulb warning relay. I got a new one in the mail last night, plugged it in and sure enough, I had working tail lights....mostly :)

              Both brake lights now work perfect with the headlights turned off. The only strange thing now is that when I turn the headlights on and depress the brake pedal, the driver side brake light brightens as it should but the passenger side brake light turns off completely! When the brakes are released the passenger side brake light turns back on (as a running light, like usual). I can live with this for now as as I don't really have the car out at night. Has anybody ever seen this?

              Thanks again for the input, it is greatly appreciated!

              Chris







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