940 Estate 1997. Electrical problems

Jeff · Jan 31, 2006

Hello all

Two weeks ago I had a reversing proximity warning system fitted by
local "Auto Elec. Experts"

Almost immediately the bulb fail dash light lit and offside stop light
found to be not working.

Inspection showed that the bulb fail light was lighting when reverse
engaged. Further specialist attention . - they fitted a resistor or
something in the circuit and brake light worked and no bulb fail
indication.

However, night driving produced another bulb fail warning when going
from full beam to dipped, and car was booked in for further attention.
But, last night all front lights except full beam, fog and indicators
failed! and car had to be breakdown recovered as police banned it
from being driven.

Car booked in for "Specialist" attention tomorrow, but they say they
have no idea what is going on.

Any experts out there have any thoughts? I suppose all the front bulbs
could be actually blown, but at moment I am keeping my hands off,
otherwise they will blame me.

jeff in UK

Peter K L Milnes · Jan 31, 2006

I expect that they forgot to allow for the Bulb failure sensor relay(s). The
wiring should be before the relays to prevent spurious warnings. Normally
there are two reverse lamps, two (or three) brake lamps and four tail lamps
fitted at the rear. They just didn't know what they were doing and wired the
reverse proximity sensors to the wrong connections. You should have taken it
to a dealer or a savvy Volvo owning friend.

All the best, Peter.

700/900/90 Register Keeper,
Volvo Owners Club (UK).

Jeff · Feb 1, 2006

Many thanks for comments.

My Volvos have all been serviced at an indipendant garage specialising
in Volvo with ex Volvo mechanic.

They recommended I take car to the electrical specialist!.

I have got the impression 'specialist' does not know what is actually
involved. Comments like "It cannot be the sensor, must be the car and
a blank look.

Will be seeing them today, on the basis of make it work or take it off
and refund.

Many thanks again.

Jeff ( Lincoln UK)

Wed, 1 Feb 2006 02:17:31 +0000 (UTC), "Peter K L Milnes"

Peter K L Milnes · Feb 1, 2006

If you could attach the wiring instructions to me I can check them out with
the car's wiring. Listing the connections they have done as well, would also
be helpful.

All the best, Peter.

700/900/90 Register Keeper,
Volvo Owners Club (UK).