Hi,

Need some help here to troubleshoot my 1985 240 DL Wagon's brake light. The rest of the lights in the assembly are fine: backup, tail light etc, just the brake light doesn't light up when I step on the brake.

Any idea what may went wrong?

Thanks
tzer

Does the '85 have a Bulb Failure Sensor?

DIDN'T READ ALL THE POSTS....NEVER MIND


--
'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

Hello,

Went back to the car last night to double check the bulbs, contacts and fuse...Turned out to be the fuse!!! It looked fine, but I went ahead and replaced it anyway...and the light works again!! :D Took a closer look at the old fuse and there are some corrosions at the ends...


Thank you all for the advices, Have a great day!


Tzer
'85 240DL Wagon, 151K miles.

Looking at the Volvo Wiring Diagram for 1985 245---

Power for brake lights flows - battery - Fuse #7 - brake light switch - bulb failure relay - splits into left and right wires - connector above driver's left toe - harness to left light - harness to right side light.

Somewhere along that route the power quits flowing.

Fuse#7? Brake light switch? Failure relay?

Use a test light or voltmeter. After the fuse (which might look OK but be dead) then test at the light socket itself.

Test easy stuff first, right? Then at the brake light switch. Green-red wire from battery, Blue-red to failure relay.

Good Luck,

Bob

:>)

Need a bit more info.

Are you talking about the 3rd brake light (if '85 had the 3rd brake light, I can't remember)? Or are you talking about the drivers/passenger side light? If so, is it on both sides?

Double check the easy stuff first. Check the fuses, then check the bulbs. Make sure the contacts are clean and making a tight connection. Use a pencil eraser to get the contacts clean.

Also check to see that you are getting power to the sockets by using a volt meter to measure the voltage drop from the socket to ground while having a helper step on the brake.

Good luck
--
If you listen to the radio in Portland, OR, you may know me as "Portland's Favorite Soul Brother!"

Hello,

Thanks for replying.

No, I'm referring to both the driver/passenger side light. '85 wagon doesn't have the 3rd brake light.

I have checked the bulbs and contacts, they looked fine and tight. And when I turn on the light knob, the tail lights (both sides) lit up fine. Turn signal and backup lights are good too. Just the brake light doesn't lit up (or brighten up) when I stepped on the brake.

BTW, does the tailgate wiring harness that runs through the hinge has any effects on the brake light? Both of my tailgate harness are pretty worn. Ordered the replacements today and thought they may help.

Will check for the voltage drop later this week. Any other ideas in the meantime?

Thanks a bunch,
Tzer

The wiring through the tailgate hinge will fix problems with the rear window wiper, defogger, tailgate remote lock (if equipped) and the license plate light. The brake lights should not be affected.

Could be the brake switch on your brake pedal.
Good Luck
Poolman