Just bought a '95 850 wagon (non-turbo)with no moon-roof and I noticed that when I open the driver's door the only courtesy light that comes on is in the driver's side footwell and nowhere else. It seems there should be more. I have the map light switches up top set for the door but nothing else comes on when the door opens. Those lights work otherwise when I push them on. What is wrong? This car is new to me and this may be a weakness. If there is supposed to be more light than the footwells please tell me what I can do to fix this. It is pretty dark in the back of the car, so who knows what may be back there. Also, when I shut the door staying in or getting out, the light goes out immediately. I am missing the 240 more and more. Help!!!??? ~ jg

Because you couldn't get either of my emails, go here and down load the entire PDF to your PC. There are no viruses to worry about.

http://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=8018

Klaus
--
Proud owner of a 1967 220S

Thanks,

Apparently that download site is not in working order. I did find the relay and it combines the courtesy lighting with the central locking. Apparently they work together using that relay. Makes sense. Interestingly, and frustrating, is that I cannot find that particular relay on any of the sites I buy parts from, including FCP. My guess is it so infrequently goes out that there is very little market for them. Mine is likely still OK with the problem elsewhere. I found some used locking mechanisms off a '97 for the doors and will tackle replacing the right front actuator, plug the fuse back in, and see if that helps. I suspect the problem is in that door since it had been wrecked and likely replaced and that is where the erratic locking and unlocking occurred. If that is not the culprit and the wiring in that door seems good I guess I will go to the driver's door next and test the wires and voltages. If not that then its FUBAR. I really miss those lights and locks working properly. ~ jg

And your email machine is blocking my attempts to send you the PDF.

As for the relay, you will need to call FCP if it is not on their web site. Call a dealer also, just to get a comparison. Or look at Ebay:

http://motors.shop.ebay.com/i.html?_nkw=volvo+850+relay&_sacat=6030&_trksid=p4506.m270.l1313&_sop=1&_dmpt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&_dmd=1&_odkw=volvo+850&_osacat=6030

Klaus
--
Proud owner of a 1967 220S

Getting back to you on this courtesy lighting central locking issue. I found the proper relay that works for this car and now the courtesy lighting works, but the central locking still does not work properly and activates erratically, especially while driving. So I guess I will have to pull the fuse again and therefore lose my progress on the lights. This makes me think that a wire is loose either in the actuator itself or a loose ground wire. Would the ground wire be the problem? I see on the diagrams it is attached to the A-post for the actuator. Do you know exactly where? How do I remove the trim or do I have to in order to find the ground connection? Any help is appreciated.

Did you see the other post about noise coming from the dash area? Seems that his light switch broke and rattled. The light switch also caused the doors to lock whenever he turned on the headlights...

Klaus
--
Proud owner of a 1967 220S. If I had more room, I would have more Volvos.

Interesting. Since I got this newer relay at least the lights come on when the door opens. They did not before. Do you think a loose ground on the A post could be the issue? My thinking is that it really gets strange when the car moves and thus is possibly jiggling the loose connector. This electrical stuff is quite weird. ~ jg

Thanks so much for that. I bookmarked the Matthews site. However, I am really bummed because the website for the electrical stuff is down and being revamped. It is going to be awhile. Wouldn't you know it, just when ... ~ jg

Is there a diagram somewhere of what relays are for what and where they are on this car? This courtesy lighting issue is a pain and I would love to get this solved. Any help would be appreciated. ~ jg

I thought I sent you the electrical component locator PDF for a 1995 850. The relays are under the fuse tray in the engine compartment. You will have to remove 4 Torx screws to get to it.

Klaus
--
Proud owner of a 1967 220S

I will look for it there. Never did find that email. Sorry. Perhaps that relay will be easily identifiable? I hate to start pulling them if there are more. Thanks for your help. jg

The dome light is supposed to come on when you open any door. The footwell lights only come on for that particular door.
So, if the dome light works when you switch it on, then the 3 way switch should also function. Off, on, door.
Same for the rear lights. The below is from the owner's manual:



The front courtesy lighting consists of two reading lights for the front seat occupants.
Front and rear reading lights always on
0 Front and rear reading lights always off
Front and rear reading lights come on when a door is opened
Left or right reading light illuminates if the center switch is in position .



The courtesy lights remain illuminated for 30 seconds after the doors have been closed but will be switched off if the ignition is turned on or the doors are locked.






Reading lights, rear seat



There are two reading lights for the rear seat passengers. These are turned on/off by using the adjacent switches.



Light is on if the front switch is in position .
Light turns on if any door is opened.



Klaus
--
Mistakes make us learn. Beer is for a job well done.

Yeah, I wish they would work like that. No go. I wonder if since my central door lock system is kaput then so is the courtesy lighting. Is there some kind of separate relay and if so, where is it? When the main up top switch is on door, it should come on if the door is opened. Oddly when I switch it to on (left side of toggle) then the front and back lights come on also. jg

I expect it to be the relay. I sent you an email with the PDF for relays. Look for relay #11 in the chart.

Klaus
--
Mistakes make us learn. Beer is for a job well done.

Sorry, I did not get the email. Is the relay under the hood or in the cabin? ~ jg

Thanks, Klaus, I will be looking for it. My email is affordableplans@hotmail.com. Once I get those instructions I will try replacing that relay.

On my other issue, I had to pull the fuse for my central locking. The right front lock kept going up and down driving us all crazy. The bigger key is supposed to work all the locks, but it would only work the front locks. However, the right front locks would still go nuts. Weird. jg