Hi there,

I am a elementary school teacher and my great 1990 Volvo Turbo wagon is starting to fall apart! I cannot afford to give it to my mechanic for costly repairs...meanwhile, I am driving to school in an unsafe car. I would be grateful for any advice on how I might be able to economically fix these repairs myself:

• the driver seat belt no longer clicks in the seat belt thing
• my rear driver's light is partially crushed from an accident and I believe I need the whole unit replaced
• need new side headlights
• the red brake light sometimes comes on....what is this?

Thanks so much for reading this,

Sarah

 

Most of the things you noted are items that could be picked up rather inexpensively from variuos sources, ebay, salvage yards, etc. These things are fairly easy to install.

I'm not sure what you mean with bullet #4. More information would be helpful.

 

Welcome aboard! Its good to see you in this forum.its full of information and knowledgeable members.You'll get lots of details from here.

 

1. the driver seat belt no longer clicks in the seat belt thing
The latch is stuck for FOD/other reasons. If not, replace it with a new unit.

2. my rear driver's light is partially crushed from an accident and I believe I need the whole unit replaced
Junk yard/On-line vendor should give you options.

3. need new side headlights
Same as #2.

4. the red brake light sometimes comes on....what is this?
One of the followings:
- The parking brake is not fully activating the Brake Light.
- The front/rear brake rotors are worn to limit.
- The brake fluid is getting low (NEVER just add brake fluid; check the condition of the brake rotors first).


JPN

 

Im new on the VF, it’s late and can only give quick suggestions.
Seat belt buckle thing…. Go to Junk yard, cut a valid buckle off….. and sew it or copper rivet it in place.
If you have to have those lights done….Autozone should get you all the correct bulbs, I’ve even coaxed them into putting them in for a tip.
good luck keeping her roadworthy.
Rick from Virginia