Thanks folks for the input, the reason that I asked was quite by accident I noticed that the headlights stayed on when the ignition was switched OFF, so I switched them off manually. About two weeks or so later they went OFF with the ignition, this got me wondering which was correct, "was the headlight switch the problem or was it the ignition switch" everyone that I asked had a different idea on the subject, which of course helped me tremendously , so now I know "NOTHING " which makes my brain feel a lot better.
Thanks again for all you input.
Stigansven. UK

Assuming yours is like the North American models, the headlights turn off with the key in the KP I position automatically.

Now, the Parking Lights are different matter for most European cars in that, based on local law, either all four are active when in the second position on the switch or a low-watt element is left on in all four or the turn signal stalk can leave the left or right two on (never seen this on Volvo but did on most Italian cars). This is often used to keep people from slamming into your parked car in the semi-legal two wheels on the sidewalk (or pavement if you speak British) situations so common in many big cities.

Dear stigansven,

Hope you're well. Presuming that the 1991 models' wiring is similar to that of later 940s, turning-off the engine - by turning the ignition switch all the way to the left - causes the lights to go out, regardless of the position of the headlight switch.

Your practice - of turning-off the headlights using the headlight switch - is sound. Leaving the headlight switch in the "on" position, means the lights come up the instant the ignition switch is moved to "start". Having the headlights come on during "cranking" adds to the drain on the battery. If a battery is weak, that extra drain (imposed by the headlights), could mean the car won't start.

In short, do as you've done: turn-off the headlights using the switch, before turning-off the engine. If, on the next start-up, the headlights are needed, turn them on using the switch.

Hope this helps.

Yours faithfully,

Spook