Seems as though I now know why I was able to get my 1989 244GL for so little....the brake lights are almost non-functional.

I noticed something screwy when I first got the car: When the head/tail lamps were on, the center high-mounted brake lamp would also come on, and burn about as brightly as the taillamps.

I didn't think anything of this until last night. Out of boredom, I decided to see if the brake lamps on my car were working. I pulled up to a section of my office building (it has black tinted windows all the way around) until I could see my tail lamps. I then hit the brake pedal. The center brake lamp came on, but the main brake lamps did not. What's worse, when I did this, the outer tail lamps went out, but the inner ones stayed on. I'm surprised I have not been hit from behind as yet.

So now, fellow brick owners, here are my questions:

1: Is this common?

2: Is this electrical? (I think I know the answer to this one...)

3: Is it an easy fix?

4: Is it an EXPENSIVE fix?

5: Is there anyone that lives in PA or NJ that could show me what to do as far as fixing this problem goes? I have absolutely NO mechanical expertise whatsoever.

6: If not, does anyone know of a good Volvo repair shop in NJ? My mechanic won't touch it...

You can even email me at my email addy if you are so inclined.

Thanks!

Steve