I am having this weird issue with my 1989 245. The lamp fault indicator light comes on, and off in very odd circumstances. First off, all the lamps are good but I get a brake light indication when I step on the pedal. But, and this is even stranger, this only happens when the headlights are turned on.

My daughter claims to have "hit a curb" the other day. Could this have jarred a relay or sensor partially out of a socket? Has anyone else experienced a similar problem and have a fix?

I'm stumped.

Thanks.

D.

Something interesting; maybe those with more Volvo years can tell me. All is working as it should now, but I have the wrecking yard sensor still in place. When I start the car, the failed bulb indicator comes on with the idiot light check, but then stays illuminated until the first time I push the brake pedal. Then it goes off and doesn't light up again. Is this a function of an older version sensor (black can) and will the newer version (red can) react differently. Just curious.

D.

I think you have a bad or weak ground connection in the circuit.

On problem I had with the break light was a deformed ground contact, the one that touches the side of the lamp. I bent it back up a little and it has been fine and I made sure all the other lamp holders were clean and had strong contacts.

Tom

I would pull the bulbs out of their sockets ( back of car) clean them with 600 grit sandpaper and put back. I'm betting a slight oxidation on teh bulb or socket and the bump of the curb to shift the bulb in the socket may be enough to cause a Current difference between the bulbs to set off the Indicator.
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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

Yep, it seems to have been related to the tail-lights. Some cleaning and all is good. I do have a bright and shiny bulb failure sensor now as a spare. $2.79 at the pull-a-pert. What a deal!

D.

not a bad price for a $45 part.

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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 was quoted $135! Ouch.

Thanks for the advice all.

D.

I wonder how many bulb sensors get installed in this country when the dirty sockets and bad grounding issue is really the culprit.

I'm still looking for failed BFWS relays. I'll pay parcel post on dead ones. sdewolfe-at-cricketlady.com
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Mr. Shannon DeWolfe -- I've taken to using mister because my name misleads folks on the WWW. I am a 53 year old fat man. ;-)