I recently bought my first Volvo, a 1989 240 DL wagon. While I enjoy it, I no longer have brake lights.
I have used a multi-meter to test the bulbs, fuse, and switch. I have determined that I have 12V exiting the switch. Is there a common point or item in between the switch and the bulbs that I should be checking before I really tear into it?

Thanks for the help, I love this site.

 

Give me your email address and I'll send you the wiring diagrams for my car, 88 240. Should be close at least.

 

The printed circuit board on the taillight goes bad.

 

Would that cause them all to go out?

About a week ago they all worked.

 

AGE!!!!

Do they have any water in them?

 

Had a little time to look at them today. No signs of water. I have power exiting the bulb failure sensor, but not at the brake lights. Will spend some time tomorrow removing interior parts and examining wires. If I don't see any obvious damage at that point, I will just run new ones all the way back.

 

Ok keep me posted.

 

I had the same problem recently with my '90 240 sedan. Solution was to replace brake light switch located under the dash near brake pedal. Caution! There are 2 switches, one is easy to reach, but the other is really hard to access. I gave up and took it to my mechanic to have it replaced because of course the faulty one was the upper switch.[:@]

 

Re-checked everything tonight. I have an intermitant problem with the brake switch. Not many things worse than an electrical problem that comes and goes. Tomorrow a new switch goes in.
A big "Thank You!" to all of you who helped so much.

Of course now I have a new problem.

 

Switch changed out. All is good.

Thanks again everyone.