Problem with Brake Lights

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

04-08-2008, 03:05 AM

Volvofan916

Thread Starter

Join Date: Apr 2008

Posts: 4

Likes: 0

Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts

Problem with Brake Lights

Hello, I just bought a 1997 850 T-5 sedan. I'm having some trouble with the brake lights, neither side works. I tried replacing the fuse and changing the bulbs, but they still won't work.

Any suggestions?

Thank you,

Sean

Reply Like

04-08-2008, 09:42 AM

JPN

Senior Member

Join Date: Sep 2006

Location: IPS, MA

Posts: 5,387

Likes: 0

Received 10 Likes on 5 Posts

RE: Problem with Brake Lights

I would suspect the stop lamp switch, which seems adjustable according to the service manual. Follow the brake pedal and look for components that have electrical wirings attached. It may only need adjusting or the electrical connector is loose.

JPN

Reply Like

04-08-2008, 03:15 PM

Volvofan916

Thread Starter

Join Date: Apr 2008

Posts: 4

Likes: 0

Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts

RE: Problem with Brake Lights

Very nice, thank you. I'll give that a try when I get home, hopefully this is a simple fix.

Reply Like

04-08-2008, 07:42 PM

robrike

Senior Member

Join Date: Apr 2005

Posts: 165

Likes: 0

Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts

RE: Problem with Brake Lights

You might also want to get one of those wire bulb socket cleaning tools and really ream the bulb holders out and get a nice shine on them. I had the same problem including the center light and replaced the brake pedal switch and even resoldered the bulb failure box in the trunk and had nothing. I check the votage out of the wires and had power up to the contacts in the bulb holder. Scrubbed them crazy and voila, lights again. No idea how all three corroded at the same time but it is a tricky system and connection cleaness is a neccesity on these cars.

Fire me a PM if you have questions.

Rob

Reply Like

04-08-2008, 10:04 PM

JPN

Senior Member

Join Date: Sep 2006

Location: IPS, MA

Posts: 5,387

Likes: 0

Received 10 Likes on 5 Posts

RE: Problem with Brake Lights

Quote:

ORIGINAL: robrike

You might also want to get one of those wire bulb socket cleaning tools and really ream the bulb holders out and get a nice shine on them. I had the same problem including the center light and replaced the brake pedal switch and even resoldered the bulb failure box in the trunk and had nothing. I check the votage out of the wires and had power up to the contacts in the bulb holder. Scrubbed them crazy and voila, lights again. No idea how all three corroded at the same time but it is a tricky system and connection cleaness is a neccesity on these cars.

Fire me a PM if you have questions.

Rob

+1.

Good to see you Rob, been wondering about you.

JPN

Reply Like

09-04-2011, 04:04 PM

Alex Roa

Junior Member

Join Date: Sep 2011

Posts: 1

Likes: 0

Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts

I'm having the same issue - did you have any resolution to this!? Much appreciated!

Reply Like

09-04-2011, 08:12 PM

rspi

Administrator

Join Date: Mar 2009

Location: Albuquerque, NM

Posts: 15,765

Likes: 0

Received 30 Likes on 29 Posts

Did you try the switch? Turn the lights on different settings and see if they work in either selection. Off/parking/driving. I had a problem with a 960, switch was coming apart on the back side. Took it out and super glued it back together.

Reply Like