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Headlight issues 200 1979

posted by  fishsqueezer on  Thu Oct 28 18:12 CST 2010
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last visit: Sun Sep 28 11:46 CST 2014
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Hello fellow B-boarders! After looking through my manuals and re-reading the FAQs for the 700/900s, I'm stumped. The issue is happening on my '79 264 GL.

Headlights are not working on the car. According to the FAQs; checked the fuse (all OK); checked the Bulb Failure Relay and even swapped for a known good one (all OK); last chance, checked the hi/lo step relay under the hood and also swapped out a known good one (all OK). When I pull the light stalk back all four lights (hi and lo beams) flash so I know they have power to the bulbs.

Not sure what my options are at this point. If necessary, unless anyone can shed some light (pun intended) on the issue, will check the wiring this weekend to see if there might be a short in the system.

All knowing/All seeing b-boarders, please help. The days are getting shorter and I am on the fringe of driving without headlights during my commute.








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    Headlight issues 200 1979

    posted by  fishsqueezer on  Fri Oct 29 04:30 CST 2010
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    Thanks, everyone. I'll take out the suspect switch this evening after work to check it out. I did go out after posting my problem last night and checked for voltage across the #1 fuse (with switch on and off). Big fat zeros. If the weather cooperates, I'll go to the PnP tomorrow on a treasure hunt. Also need some mats for above the legs on my 84 245Ti and a couple of springs for the new headlight assembly (took it off and forgot the retainer springs!). Would it be advisable to pick up a spare Lamp Failure Relay while there?








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      Headlight issues 200 1979

      posted by  TONY H on  Fri Oct 29 05:29 CST 2010
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      last visit: Fri Oct 17 16:39 CST 2014
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      Sure, Bulb Failure Sensors are expensive to buy. Fuel pump Relay too.
      --
      '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.lyse.net/brox/TonyPage4.html








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    Wiring different? 200 1979

    posted by  Trev29 on  Thu Oct 28 23:58 CST 2010
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    last visit: Fri Oct 17 05:56 CST 2014
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    I recall when I switched from round to rectangle headlights the wiring was different. I had to move the wires around in the plastic sockets.
    --
    1980 245 Canadian B21A with SU carb but electronic ignition and M46 trans in Brampton, Ont.








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    ANSWER Headlight issues 200 1979

    uid 40935's pic
    posted by  Goatman on  Thu Oct 28 18:19 CST 2010
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    last visit: Sat Jul 26 20:30 CST 2014
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    Hello,


    Your headlight switch failed. Check the connector for charring. A replacement can be furbished from a dpdt switch from Radioshack.


    Goatman


    My 1977 Volvo 264 GL
    http://www.unm.edu/~goatman/volvo.jpg

    This post has been marked as an answer to the original question.



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      Headlight issues 200 1979

      posted by  fishsqueezer on  Thu Oct 28 18:33 CST 2010
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      Goatman,
      Thanks for the input. I'll check this tomorrow evening after work. May even make a trip to the local PnP to gather a few odds and ends, will grab a headlight switch there in case I can't refurb the one in the car now. ---rick








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        Headlight issues 200 1979

        uid 40935's pic
        posted by  Goatman on  Thu Oct 28 18:39 CST 2010
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        last visit: Sat Jul 26 20:30 CST 2014
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        Rick,


        Yes, I believe that the newer switches will work. The shaft is just longer.


        Goatman








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          Headlight issues 200 1979

          posted by  fishsqueezer on  Mon Nov 15 09:38 CST 2010
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          last visit: Sun Sep 28 11:46 CST 2014
          [RELATED]

          Goatman and others,
          You were correct, the headlight switch did indeed fail. I went to the PnP and pulled a couple to have one for a spare. Swapped the switch out and can now work full days without any dark commuting concerns. Problem solved.

          BTW, also acquired multiple relays from several early 240s at a rock bottom price of $2 each. Had my son tag along for assistance to show him how much fun going to a PnP can be. He commented about "having" to go but I helped him look at it as a treasure hunt. Complete attitude change. He even found new struts for my 245Ti hatch.

          Thanks to all for all the help. You guys are a great resource. ---rick

          p.s. How do I mark a post as "solved"?








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          Headlight issues 200 1979

          uid 27's pic
          posted by  Art Benstein on  Fri Oct 29 02:31 CST 2010
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          last visit: Fri Oct 17 20:10 CST 2014
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          Correct, the newer (86+) switches do not carry the lamp current, but switch a relay that does. And they're not wired the same or built to carry the current, but one might say neither were the old ones... :)

          p/n 1215170 Genuine Volvo list price $29.85 (for reference)
          --
          Art Benstein near Baltimore

          The trooper said, "Oh," and went back to writing the ticket. But, a moment later he stopped and said, "Are you calling me a horse's ass?"...







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