This is a guess.

The light glowing dimly could be from voltage flowing through the bulb and thence to some other circuit. That is usually due to a bad ground connection somewhere.

Which fuse blows when you try the headlights? Are the connectors at each of the headlights well plugged in? Is there any effect, either the headlights or the glove box light, when you turn on the headlight switch with the key turned off? Are there any effects when you use the headlight flashers?

Looking at the wiring diagram for your car, the headlights get voltage without going through any fuse.

Looking at the chart of what fuse does what, and what fuse gets power from where, I see a relationship between the glove box light and the headlights.

If the glove box light is "right" it should be on all the time that the door is open. If it's not, and the bulb and ground connection are good, something else is going on.

Try this: Remove the glove box and remove the glove box light. Take out the bulb and replace the socket. See if that makes any change in the headlight operation.

Post back. If you are interested in obtaining the same diagrams I am using, it is the Volvo Service Manual, Wiring Diagrams, 240 1987-88. Call Ken Cook publishing at 1-800-25-VOLVO and ask about it. Maybe you can get a list of all the service manuals they have for your car, with the prices. The WDM is a great asset to have.

Good Luck,

Bob

:>)


PS If you decide to get a door for your glove box, any door will fit the hinges, but I found that my 1986 door&lock are quite different from my 1988 door and lock. Your 1987 may be the old style or new, I don't know.

If you get one from a boneyard, get the VIN of the donor car and a dealer can make you key for it. OR, a good locksmith can modify the lock to work with your existing keys.