Okay so now my reliable volvo that my 19 & 21 year olds share is on the fritz too! All brake lights are out. All other lights are working. I checked the fuse and it's not that. Would appreciate any advice! Thanks!

Is your car a wagon or sedan?

Check fuse 12 & 28

Check the bulbs

Get a wiring diagram for your car it will have a diagram of the brake light circuit.

You will see the brake pedal switch (item 3/9) That could have failed.
and the Bulb out sensor (item 7/1) that could have gone open and be easily repaired with a solder iron.

The wiring diagram shows a picture of the Bulb out sensor
and it shows the location in the wagon and sedan.
There's a schematic for each. The wiring diagram is your best friend for
electrical troubleshooting.

Bill

Thanks for the information. It is a 1997 850 GLT sedan. I checked both fuses and they look ok. Wouldn't it be odd that all three bulbs were to go at the same time? Then again Volvo's are rather strange cars. I think you are right that it the brake pedal switch. I am taking it to my mechanic. I won't be doing any soldering any time soon! Maybe the people who actually drive the car could do it and not their Mom. Thanks for your help!

Assuming all the bulbs are good it could be a bad brake pedal switch.