Greetings all. I recieved a 1995 850 with a blown headgasket as a gift, it had been sitting for 2 years. I spent a bunch of time over the summer replacing the gasket and now the car runs fine. The problem is, is that the blinkers and headlights don't work. When I switch on the daytime running lamps the dashboard does illuminate and those running lights go on. When I switch on the headlights the dashboard lights go off and the headlights stay off.
The hazards work but presumably they have their own flasher.
I checked all the fuses and all the bulbs are new.
I dismantled the headlight switch and it appers to be in working order (little metal pieces are making contact).
I opened up the headlight relay and the circuit board appeared to be nice and fresh with no burnout.

Where do I start a diagnosis from?
I downloaded some wiring diagrams but they don't appear to be matching my vehicle (I have seperate head light and high-beam bulbs, diagram has both in one bulb).

Any advice would be appreciated, thanks!

 

Does messing with the ignition switch make them work?
Usually them not working is a sign of a bad electrical part of the ignition switch.

 

thanks for the quick reply
I don't know if there is anything wrong with that switch but shouldn't the headlights work even with the ignition off? The daylights work with it off.

 

No, Volvo's head lights will not come on with the ignition off. I have a 960 and had another 960 that had a bad ignition switch. After I started the car, the ignition did not return all the way to the II position. I had to turn the ignition back a little before I could get my lights and turn signals to work.

 

I vote for a bad ignition switch. Try spraying a little WD-40 in it to see if that helps. The only time the daytime running lights should come on is when the car is running!

 

Thanks for all the replies, it turns out that it was the ignition switch. The individual who broke into the steering column loosened the black round connector from behind the ignition, I saw that it was loose and suddenly the blinkers and headlamps started working. I guess that its a little strange that I started the car like 20 something times without a problem but it could of been one prong loose. Thanks for the help!