Hello,

The rear defrost switch on the dash does not light up when activated,and it does not toggle to an activated position, instead a spring returns it. I checked for voltage getting to the switch - 12v.

Someone told me that the spring return might be normal because two types of switches were used.

What do you think?
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1985 Volvo 240 sedan

On early models, at least as late as 1982, the switch could be toggled on and left on indefinitely. Probably to compeansate for our slower students who would leave it on constantly, it was changed to a timed momentary-contact switch. My 1988, 1991, and 1993s have all been this way. Pressing the button down activates a timer that stays on for about twenty minutes and illuminates the switch, which returns to the "off" position when released. The bulb is a 2721 inside the switch. Take the switch out and you'll see the two spade connectors that are switched and a small bulb holder behind the window part of the switch. Pull this out and put a new bulb in.

Sometimes the contact on the outside of the bulb holder gets dirty preventing illumination. The best solution is to go on eBay and for about $4 buy a jewelry tool called a "scratch brush" which is great for polishing up electrical contacts.

I do not know about that year.

What I do know is if it does not light up, then most likely the bulb is burnt out and should be replaced. What you should check is do you get 12 volts at the rear window when you turn it on. If not, then something else needs to be addressed. I also do not know the wiring diagram, but you can look on line and most likely find the wiring diagram for that year and trace out your issue from there.

Good luck.

Matt

Aha, you were correct, it was the bulb. It was simple to replace, given that I knew the procedure and the bulb number because of the help I received here. I'm grateful, thank you guys.

Thanks to you both.Your ideas and experience are invaluable. I will do as suggested and report back later in the week.
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1985 Volvo 240 sedan