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Typical problem -- explanation here. 200 1989

Hi. Re: "...says that all the drivers side lights...tail lights.....parking light...and headlight are out..doesn't sound right to me...."

Actually, it sounds quite right. Unlike domestic makes, Volvos (and MB's, too, as the two I'm familiar with, and probably most European cars) have separate circuits for the parking and tail lights on both sides of the car. You see, in Europe, it's normal to park on one side or another of narrow urban streets, but the law requires that the lights (at least on the traffic side) must be left on all night long. So European versions of cars (such as my two gray-market MBs) have a light switch that, when the engine isn't on, allows one to switch on only the right or the left side, as you choose (a shame they don't include this switch on USA cars). Thus, the cars can be left on all night, while draining only half as much of the battery's charge as one would if both sides of the car was left illuminated.

To facilitate providing this feature, such European cars are designed with separate circuits for each side of the car, and as well a separate fuse for each -- one for the left side lights, and another fuse for the right side of the car.

Chances are, simply, the fuse for the driver's side lights are blown. Have your daughter change the fuse.

Good luck.






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New Help with an electrical problem.........drivers side lights out........ [200][1989]
posted by  someone claiming to be john in vt  on Sat Jan 10 08:18 CST 2004 >


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