'89 240 brake light + relay help needed

Discussion in 'Volvo 240' started by geech, Sep 18, 2003.

  1. geech

    geech Guest

    Hey Folks,

    I have an '89 240DL, the brake lights are all out. Bulb failure light
    comes on when brake pedal is presses. I've scoured google groups but
    still have some questions.

    Fuse # 7 is good
    fuse port carries current
    brake light switch has continuity
    switch wires get current as needed

    From what I've read I know that I need to check the relay, #54, etc.
    and check the light sockets themselves. But I have some prodedural
    questions.

    1. How exactly do you get that damn cap/plug off of the relay?? It has
    a lever type thing in the center of the wires, but no amount of
    pulling, prying, etc. will loosen it. Do I need to pry it off with a
    screwdriver?

    2. To check the relay poles, will a standard light-up circuit tester
    pen do the trick? (not if the cap is off, I know) Do I need to use a
    multi tester? How does one test the ports on the relay?

    3. Would someone please be so kind as to breakdown the process of
    testing the taillight/brakelight sockets for current, etc.? Where
    exactly are you supposed to probe on the light assembly?

    I'm pretty new to using the multitester and circuit tester so any
    guidance advice is appreciated.

    Thanks, and this is one hell of a research archive.

    Chris
     
    geech, Sep 18, 2003
    #1
  2. geech

    geech Guest

    umm...anyone...help? Please?
     
    geech, Sep 19, 2003
    #2
  3. geech

    Mike F Guest

    The lever type thing is to latch the relay to the wire harness. You
    need to pop the cap off where the red of the case and black of the base
    intersect.

    However, first check if the relay is OK by using a jumper wire (eg clip
    lead) joining the terminals marked 54 and 54L on the car harness. (You
    have to read the numbers on the relay and transpose them back to the
    harness.) Press the brake pedal down, if the left brake light goes on,
    then you have a bad relay. If not, then you have another problem.
     
    Mike F, Sep 19, 2003
    #3
  4. geech

    geech Guest

    Thanks for the info Mike.

     
    geech, Sep 19, 2003
    #4
Ask a Question

Want to reply to this thread or ask your own question?

You'll need to choose a username for the site, which only take a couple of moments (here). After that, you can post your question and our members will help you out.