Non-functioing brake lights

[macplaxton]

I reversed the BB into the drive the other day to check (for the first time ) what the lights were doing at the back. Earlier on that day, I replaced the nearside taillamp as the bulb had blown.

I then noticed I had a problem with the brake lights, with the lights on, pressing the brake pedal made the tail lamps go out.

Crap earth, any ideas to throw in the ring. I'm going to venture outside and have a butchers at it in the meantime. Must be something simple.

[macplaxton]

Still need to get Mrs MacP to do some brake pedal pressing, as I can only see the offside lights reflecting the porch glass.

A further check showed the brake light coming on when the lights were off. When the side lights or dipped lights were on, the went out when the pedal was pressed. Further investigation showed that the offside stop/tail lamp was fitted in the holder the wrong way round.

[macplaxton]

Ok, all sorted now

Offside stop/tail bulb was in back to front as far as I could tell. Also the tail filament in that bulb was not working, but not obviously blown.
Nearside stop tail bulb was badly earthed, the thing was lit before putting it in, which shouldn't happen until it is earth by the bottom rail. Cleaned everything up and changed that bulb (as I drop the original one and bust the filaments). Full Christmas tree lights at the back restored with everything on.

In the end, I couldn't wait for Mrs MacP to assist with the brake pedal pushing, so



I nicked the long mirror out of the hall to do it me-self

[mat_91]

haha i was just about to say check bulbs are in right way round ive had a couple customers cars with faults like that very weird what happens and i like the mirror as i normally use the council black bins as the sit at end of my drive

[Chris_C]

Normally bulbs going off is an earth fault, but glad you sorted it chap!

Worth a look to see what happens when you have tail lamps and indicators, as well as brakes and indicators too if you've seen one problem!

[macplaxton]

Had 'em all lit, all at the same time. No problems so far. This may not be the case when I hitch the trailer up next week.

[MCHUDD]

Hi mate.
Glad you got the lights sorted.
The old bill on the UK side of the boarder can be a bit sticky
when it come to tail lights
Cheers Mark.

[smchris]

I had this problem as well, got mugged off at the garage for a new bulb! still had the problem, the fix turned out to be the same as yours, just give the contacts on all the lights a good old sanding! its amazing how simple some problems can be. but I keep reading more and more that these volvos are renouned for some electrical faults ( not very reassuring) lol