OK so I typed up this long report explaining in detail how I fixed the relay and all of a sudden my browser just closed and I lost it all... Kinda gives me the hint nobody wants to read a novel.

So here's a paraphrased version:

Right side rear running lights weren't working. Checked everything nothing added up. Broke out my "Fox and Hound" $50 bucks at Fry's, traced the wire to the bulb failure relay. Took out the realy and shot 12V down the wire and the bulbs worked. Relay was bad. Found this article: http://www.brickboard.com/RWD/index.htm?id=715116

I had no continuity between 58R and 58L. So I took the relay cover off and started tracing the current with a multimeter. Found a pin going through a soldered connection. The pin had continuity, the solder did not so I broke out my trusty 30W soldering iron and some rosin core solder and re-soldered the connection. Then I re-checked continuity between pins 58R and L and had much joy.

Went out to the car, plugged in the relay, turned on the lights and voila. Problem fixed.

Hope this helps someone.

Edited for spelling

 

Having the same issue with my 83 240 dl. also front marker light's wont come on and the instrument light is out. They all worked a week ago when I went through and replaced bulbs and sanded the printed circut's. could you tell me how to find the bulb failure relay, is it behind the dash or in the column some where. Many thanks in advance.