Bulb failure light

alf · Nov 19th, 2010, 16:26

Hi - not been around for some time but it seems that on this forum that means that all is running well with no problems!

Have got a niggle now on my 940 saloon in that the bulb failure light shows every time I apply the brakes. Simple - I thought. But then I checked and left and right and hi-level brake lights all work!!!!

What have I missed?

lovejoy633 · Nov 19th, 2010, 16:34

I had a similar (ish) problem, in that I thought all three brake lights were working.

It turned out that the bulb in the high brake light wasn't seated properly and did not always come on.

Worth a check ??

alf · Nov 19th, 2010, 17:00

Cheers - I did only try it once I must admit. I'll get outside now and get the wife to stand at the back whilst I give it multiple testings!

lovejoy633 · Nov 19th, 2010, 17:07

Spouse into action!

LOL - quite literally made me laugh out loud.

CTCNetwork · Nov 19th, 2010, 17:47

Hi,

It may be handy to clean each of the holders and contact for each bulb just to make sure all is in good working order. While you and spouse are out there..

Des. . .

alf · Nov 19th, 2010, 18:56

Did not see your help until we came back in but will get out with the emery cloth tomorrow and then get the spouse back into action again!!

P.S. All lights work all the time as well as the failure light working every time.

P.S.S. I was made to cook dinner as penance!

Dr. Rog · Nov 19th, 2010, 21:58

I had horrendous problems getting my rear lights to seat properly. I spent over a day breaking bits of trim trying to find a broken wire that didn't exist. There is a long thread here somewhere.

In the end I changed the bulb holder with one from my spare car. The problem one had visable contact pressure but not quiet enough. When fitted somehow the pressure was reduced enough for it not to work.

I have noticed in the past that modern bulbs with pressed bumps instead of bayonet pins don't fit properly, they sit a little further out, with less pressure.

I find it works better if wife just puts her foot on the brake and turns the sidelights on and off. That way I just sit at the back of the car and don't have to run back and forth. She is more comfortable too.

roadcar2000 · Nov 19th, 2010, 22:26

Ah so that is what a wife is for. And all this time I have been wedgeing a brick on the brake pedal. Does it now mean I have to choose between a brick and a woman?

NI_Volvo_Nut · Nov 20th, 2010, 11:26

Lights in these things are all down to resistance, so its bad connections, also 2 different bulb manufactures can make a difference too

Brenda · Nov 21st, 2010, 04:50

Ive had a similar but different(?) problem.

Whenever I switch on the rear screen heater/ mirror switch the bulb failure circuit lights, until I touch the brakes. Tis a strange thing that!!

Nov 19th, 2010, 16:26	#1
alf Junior Member Last Online: Jun 20th, 2021 15:13 Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Worle	Bulb failure light Hi - not been around for some time but it seems that on this forum that means that all is running well with no problems! Have got a niggle now on my 940 saloon in that the bulb failure light shows every time I apply the brakes. Simple - I thought. But then I checked and left and right and hi-level brake lights all work!!!! What have I missed?

Nov 19th, 2010, 16:34	#2
lovejoy633 Premier Member Last Online: Jul 29th, 2016 21:32 Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Harrogate	I had a similar (ish) problem, in that I thought all three brake lights were working. It turned out that the bulb in the high brake light wasn't seated properly and did not always come on. Worth a check ?? __________________ 1996 Volvo 960 3.0 24v 1978 1500 Triumph Spitfire 1984 Land rover 90,1990 Land rover turbo diesel

Nov 19th, 2010, 17:00	#3
alf Junior Member Last Online: Jun 20th, 2021 15:13 Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Worle	Spouse into action! Cheers - I did only try it once I must admit. I'll get outside now and get the wife to stand at the back whilst I give it multiple testings!

Nov 19th, 2010, 17:07	#4
lovejoy633 Premier Member Last Online: Jul 29th, 2016 21:32 Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Harrogate	Spouse into action! LOL - quite literally made me laugh out loud. __________________ 1996 Volvo 960 3.0 24v 1978 1500 Triumph Spitfire 1984 Land rover 90,1990 Land rover turbo diesel

Nov 19th, 2010, 17:47	#5
CTCNetwork Forum Support Team Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Liège, Belgium View Photos By: CTCNetwork	Hi, It may be handy to clean each of the holders and contact for each bulb just to make sure all is in good working order. While you and spouse are out there.. Des. . . __________________ Density:- Not just a measurement ~ It's a whole way of Life.! ! ! I drive a Volvo, Please Don't Get In My Way! OldVolvos4Ever He shows up. People die. He vanishes. People should not be afraid of their governments. "He'll deliver more justice in a weekend than 10 years of your Governments should be afraid of their people... "V" courts & tribunals. Just stay out of his way." "I plan to."

Nov 19th, 2010, 18:56	#6
alf Junior Member Last Online: Jun 20th, 2021 15:13 Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Worle	Thanks Did not see your help until we came back in but will get out with the emery cloth tomorrow and then get the spouse back into action again!! P.S. All lights work all the time as well as the failure light working every time. P.S.S. I was made to cook dinner as penance!

Nov 19th, 2010, 21:58	#7
Dr. Rog Master Member Last Online: Oct 21st, 2017 22:15 Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Kingsclere	hard earnt tip. I had horrendous problems getting my rear lights to seat properly. I spent over a day breaking bits of trim trying to find a broken wire that didn't exist. There is a long thread here somewhere. In the end I changed the bulb holder with one from my spare car. The problem one had visable contact pressure but not quiet enough. When fitted somehow the pressure was reduced enough for it not to work. I have noticed in the past that modern bulbs with pressed bumps instead of bayonet pins don't fit properly, they sit a little further out, with less pressure. I find it works better if wife just puts her foot on the brake and turns the sidelights on and off. That way I just sit at the back of the car and don't have to run back and forth. She is more comfortable too. __________________ Cheers Rog Previously owned 1996 940 SE auto and GLE manual, both B230FK estates.

Nov 19th, 2010, 22:26	#8
roadcar2000 Senior Member Last Online: Jun 2nd, 2023 11:46 Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: gosport	Ah so that is what a wife is for. And all this time I have been wedgeing a brick on the brake pedal. Does it now mean I have to choose between a brick and a woman?

Nov 20th, 2010, 11:26	#9
NI_Volvo_Nut Volvologist Last Online: Dec 6th, 2023 11:13 Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Bangor - Norn Iron View Photos By: NI_Volvo_Nut	Lights in these things are all down to resistance, so its bad connections, also 2 different bulb manufactures can make a difference too __________________ What's the matter with the car I'm driving? Can't you tell that it's out of style? Should I get a set of white wall tires? Are you gonna cruise the miracle mile?

Nov 21st, 2010, 04:50	#10
Brenda I've Been Banned Last Online: Mar 29th, 2013 14:41 Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Norwich and Burgess Hill	Ive had a similar but different(?) problem. Whenever I switch on the rear screen heater/ mirror switch the bulb failure circuit lights, until I touch the brakes. Tis a strange thing that!!

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