I hope someone out there has a good mind for electrical puzzles! I have recently replaced my taillights ('90 240 DL), noting that the old ones always seemed to have troubles with their brake lights. I always thought it wqas the 'wiring sheet' Volvo used inside teh taillights...maybe worn and scratched, causing shorts??

The exterior lower right cell of the righthand light was slightly 'swollen' and cracked as if overheated...perhaps prior owner put in wrong bulb size thought I When I installed the new ones, the light in this cell was twice as bright as the driving light on the left...as if the brake was on full time.

More clues: the dashboard warning light for bulbs is lit when the main light switch is in parking lights or full headlights on position...only off when the lights are off.

With the headlights on, the warning light will go out when I depress the brake pedal. With the headlight switch 'off', the warning light comes ON when I depress the brakes.

Not an electrical bone in my body, but I am wondering if there is some mix-up of wires in the harness connector that fits on the taillight wiring sheet?? I hope someone out there can follow the trail.....

Thanks, Colin

You are not the first to come with wierd rear light problems that the "white on the right" protocol corrects. Not even the tenth, or more.

The brighter filament is the brake lamp, and it puts out plenty heat. If the bulb is jammed in wrong, or there's another problem that keeps that filament lit as if it was the tail marker light, the constant heat will damage the plastic. BTDT.

The plastic can crack and pieces fall out. Bummer. Get the lights corrected, then get started on replacing that entire fixture. Aftermarket units have a poor reputation. Volvo units have a circular date stamp on each lens.

Units for 1985 and older can look just like the one you have, but they are not the same, although with some strange engineering and misc. parts they can be made to work.

Look up www.lampsandlenses.com , they are a reputable supplier and may have a genuine Volvo 240 lamp. They sell on eBay, too. Ignore the decision about silver or black trim. If you get one that's black, use electrical tape to make the other side match.

Good Luck,

Bob

:>)

It is possible to force the 1157 bulb (Lower outside corner sockets) in wrong. It can be forced in 180 degrees out. see the height difference in the bumps on the brass shell of the bulb. This will cause the brake light filiment to light up when the Running lights are on. Causing the light to be brighter on that side...causing the Bulb out light to light on the Dashboard...also causing the Lense to melt slightly.



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'75 Jeep CJ5 345Hp ChevyPwrd, two motorcycles, '85 Pickup: The '89 Volvo is the newest vehicle I own. it wasn't Volvos safety , it was Longevity that sold me http://home.no.net/ebrox/Tony's%20cars.htm

I am sorry I have posted information that is incorrect.

The white bulb holder does go on the passenger's side and on the lower level, but it is located on the outside corner of the fixture.

Sorry for the confusion and any additional problems this might have caused.

Randy

The passenger's side light should have a white bulb holder for the lower inboard bulb, while the driver's side should be black.

Could that be the problem?

Randy

where does the white one go, I thought it went on the passenger lower/outer tail/brake lamp....does it go on the inner or outer, I have been having light issues also

My mistake, you are in fact correct... the white holder goes on the passenger's side on the lower outside corner.

Sorry for the error.

Randy

no problem I was just looking at my brake lights and they all are working ok, but I swear the other night they were turning off when I would press the brake pedal with the lights on, one lens is cracked maybe when it is wet it acts funky, I am gonna get some good glue and glue all over that crack maybe. also every light seems to be ok but the passenger rear fog, and the bulb light still likes to stay on.