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Rear Fog Lights 1990 244DL 200

posted by  pflaumstrike on  Wed Nov 2 09:00 CST 2016
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Hello! I had my 1990 244DL inspected in Maryland and one of the reasons it failed was that the rear fog lights are not working (surprised that I need them to pass inspection!). I turn on the headlights without high beams and the fog light switch and neither fog light comes on. All other rear lights work properly on both sides. I replaced the right tail light assembly a few days because a couple of the lenses were cracked - neither fog light was working before or after I replaced the assembly.

The bulbs are new. The fuse is good. The bulb for the fog light switch is not working either. I unplugged the fog light switch and tested the contacts with an electrical meter and it is getting current there. I cleaned the contacts. I tested that there was current at the fuse. I checked for current at the plug that connects to the circuit board and it is not getting current there. There are 2 wires that go into the switch - one is white and one is white with a blue stripe. I am correct to assume that the white wire that connects to the plug at the circuit board in the rear is the correct wire, right?

Any suggestions of what to do next?

Thanks!








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    Rear Fog Lights 1990 244DL 200 1990

    uid 27's pic
    posted by  Art Benstein on  Wed Nov 2 09:31 CST 2016
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    last visit: Fri Oct 17 20:10 CST 2014
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    That is kinda strange, including the rear fog lamps in the inspection check list. Especially as 1990 is the last year Volvo ran both rear fogs, going to only the driver-side fog in 1991 to avoid confusion on the road.

    The blue/white to the fog light switch is powered only with the light switch on through fuse 14. Then the white wire is indeed the color in use all the way to the lamps. Are you getting your inspection done by a Euro specialist, I wonder?

    Use a test light, or your multimeter in voltage mode, to test for power at each point you can reach. Do this with the fog light switch on and the light switch on. Do it with everything remaining connected; i.e. don't pull the plugs and stick the meter in the end. You'll find where the power fails.


    --
    Art Benstein near Baltimore

    The quickest way to double your money is to fold it in half and put it back in your pocket.







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      Rear Fog Lights 1990 244DL 200 1990

      posted by  pflaumstrike on  Wed Nov 2 12:22 CST 2016
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      Thanks, Art! Using my light tester I found there is power going into the switch from the blue/white wire with the lights on but with the fog light switch on there is no power coming out of the switch to the white wire. So it sounds like I need a new fog light switch.








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        Rear Fog Lights 1990 244DL 200 1990

        posted by  machine man on  Wed Nov 2 13:54 CST 2016
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        last visit: Wed Oct 22 15:40 CST 2014
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        Hi,

        Take it apart and fiddle with it.
        It can do one last thing for you before you have to chuck it and that's teach you how it failed.
        You might be surprised at what simple little thing is keeping it from conducting.

        Phil








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          Rear Fog Lights 1990 244DL 200 1990

          uid 27's pic
          posted by  Art Benstein on  Wed Nov 2 14:15 CST 2016
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          No kidding. Every switch in a '90 Volvo is serviceable. Even the impenetrable cruise and rear wiper switches on the stalks, if you can shoot them with contact cleaner.
          --
          Art Benstein near Baltimore

          If at first you don't succeed, skydiving is not for you.








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            Rear Fog Lights 1990 244DL 200 1990

            posted by  pflaumstrike on  Wed Nov 2 18:19 CST 2016
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            Hey Phil and Art,

            Invaluable advice. I opened up the switch and there is a piece of metal that sits on a spring that toggles back and forth that had residue on it. I cleaned it up and the fog lights work. So does the indicator bulb.

            Cheers,

            Rob

            P.S. I see you're from the Baltimore area. This is number 23 of 25 things I have to check off my list to get the car to pass the MD inspection. The last two are the odometer and the blower not working on 1 and 2 but does on 3 and 4. Rigorous inspection, no?








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              helpful links 200 1990

              uid 27's pic
              posted by  Art Benstein on  Thu Nov 3 07:17 CST 2016
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              Yes, I would say it is rigorous, because the inspection shops get "tested" now and then. Maryland Motor Vehicle Law (TR23-104) establishes minimum standards for equipment, and licenses inspectors. It is criticized because you only need to pass once.

              The odometer probably needs a gear carefully replaced if not already attempted by a previous owner. http://cleanflametrap.com/#links

              I disagree with Onkel to expect your resistor is the culprit, although it appears to make the same "sense" as connecting an unknown loose wire to an unidentified empty pin. The resistor will suffer, though, if the blower is continually attempted in the lower speeds where it doesn't have enough oomph to overcome its binding bearings.

              http://cleanflametrap.com
              --
              Art Benstein near Baltimore

              Give a man a fish and he will eat for a day. Teach him how to fish, and he will sit in a boat and drink beer all day.








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              Rear Fog Lights 1990 244DL 200 1990

              posted by  Onkel Udo II on  Thu Nov 3 06:27 CST 2016
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              last visit: Fri Oct 24 08:50 CST 2014
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              I do not see that inspections as rigorous so much as overkill. That said, be glad you do not have to pass the Tuf in Germany.

              Odometer is most likely the drive gear. This is covered about a gazillion times here but I have to repeat my oft repeated warning...do NOT hook up the red white wire unless you have a tachometer. You will want to and there is perfectly sensible spade lug right there where it obviously belongs...only it does not.

              Blower motor resistor is likely your other issue and that one is not much fun the change depending on where your current one is mounted.







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