Hey guys...The brake lights on my '96 850 wagon stopped working. I had this same issue about a year or two ago and I replaced the brake light switch and it fixed the problem. Back then, the brake lights would work once every 10 or so pumps of the brake peddle. This time, they are completely dead. Do you think it could be the switch again or, maybe the relay or something else? Not sure how to test the switch or relay. Thanks

 

If you lost all the brake lights including the center one it's more than likely the switch failed. You should be able to take a wire and jump across the two wires and have the brake lights come on. If they do, you know it's the switch.

 

Thanx!

 

I forgot to finish that. If they don't come on then you have a problem in the "supply" side of the circuit and it could be a fuse or even a problem with the turn signal switch.

Let us know how it turns out.

 

Turn signal switch in brake light circuit? I doubt that.

 

It was 1:30 in the morning, I wasn't thinking pure Volvo at that moment.
I forgot that Volvo's have a separate (yellow) turn signal bulb in the rear. Most cars share the brake light with the turn signal and yes the turn signal switch cuts into the brake light circuit and flashes that sides brake light for a turn signal.
Not so with Volvo. sorry

That's also why you need a "converter" to turn your five wire rear lights into four to hook up with a trailer !!