1992 240SE Main/Dipped Switching Problem

matchless · Oct 18th, 2005, 22:11

Until recently the ignition switch controlled both main & dipped beams (headlights wired through ignition switch).
Now only main beam is switched off by the ignition switch ...... if dipped beam is on then switching ignition off leaves dipped beam still on!!!! This also leaves the Overdrive switch/solenoid/lamp active. Dipped beam can only be switched off by either putting headlamp switch to "off" or "park" OR by momentarily flashing main beam from the direction indicator/headlamp flasher switch.
I have not fitted any new accessories recently or made any alterations to the wiring. I have replaced the "Step" and "Headlamp" relays with genuine Volvo spare parts but with no effect.
Any ideas .... this is THE obscure fault.

Mike_Brace · Oct 18th, 2005, 22:19

First does removing sidelight bulbs eliminate the problem. If it does try new bulbs, if this doesn't sort it check earths on all lights - this can cause this type of problem. The only other possibility I can think of is any of the relays on the circuit. Let us know how you get on.

Mike

Peter D · Oct 20th, 2005, 14:46

A 1992 SE with overdirve, what happened to the 5 speed box. However, do you have the Dim/Dim relay insitu or have you diconnected or has it stopped working. If you remove the Step relay do the lights go out ? and is dip beam whn it is stuck on in Dim mode or full power Dipped Beam. Regards Peter

matchless · Oct 22nd, 2005, 23:10

Thanks Mike but no the sidelights do not affect the problem.
Also have checked through earthing and can find no glitches.

matchless · Oct 22nd, 2005, 23:16

Sorry it's an Auto so I should have quoted "4th. gear".
Removing Step Relay does put the lights out.
When stuck on the dipped beam is full power.
The Dim Dip relay is certainly a suspect but WHERE is it located? I have a Workshop print pointing vaguely to the front passenger area but cannot locate it.

Peter D · Oct 23rd, 2005, 08:32

Behind the side kick panel passenger side. Regards Peter

matchless · Nov 3rd, 2005, 23:45

Thanks Peter .... found it buried away down there.
Problem was a bad connection inside the relay can ... resoldered .... problem solved.
Very many thanks for everyones help
Matchless
1992 240SE

Oct 18th, 2005, 22:11	#1
matchless matchless Last Online: Apr 4th, 2008 23:48 Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: coulsdon	1992 240SE Main/Dipped Switching Problem Until recently the ignition switch controlled both main & dipped beams (headlights wired through ignition switch). Now only main beam is switched off by the ignition switch ...... if dipped beam is on then switching ignition off leaves dipped beam still on!!!! This also leaves the Overdrive switch/solenoid/lamp active. Dipped beam can only be switched off by either putting headlamp switch to "off" or "park" OR by momentarily flashing main beam from the direction indicator/headlamp flasher switch. I have not fitted any new accessories recently or made any alterations to the wiring. I have replaced the "Step" and "Headlamp" relays with genuine Volvo spare parts but with no effect. Any ideas .... this is THE obscure fault.

Oct 18th, 2005, 22:19	#2
Mike_Brace Former contributor Last Online: Jul 2nd, 2022 07:54 Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Rhosgoch, Anglesey	RE: 1992 240SE Main/Dipped Switching Problem First does removing sidelight bulbs eliminate the problem. If it does try new bulbs, if this doesn't sort it check earths on all lights - this can cause this type of problem. The only other possibility I can think of is any of the relays on the circuit. Let us know how you get on. Mike __________________ A Volvo is for life not just for Christmas!

Oct 20th, 2005, 14:46	#3
Peter D Peter D Last Online: Mar 2nd, 2015 21:03 Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Livingston	RE: 1992 240SE Main/Dipped Switching Problem A 1992 SE with overdirve, what happened to the 5 speed box. However, do you have the Dim/Dim relay insitu or have you diconnected or has it stopped working. If you remove the Step relay do the lights go out ? and is dip beam whn it is stuck on in Dim mode or full power Dipped Beam. Regards Peter

Oct 22nd, 2005, 23:10	#4
matchless matchless Last Online: Apr 4th, 2008 23:48 Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: coulsdon	RE: 1992 240SE Main/Dipped Switching Problem Thanks Mike but no the sidelights do not affect the problem. Also have checked through earthing and can find no glitches.

Oct 22nd, 2005, 23:16	#5
matchless matchless Last Online: Apr 4th, 2008 23:48 Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: coulsdon	RE: 1992 240SE Main/Dipped Switching Problem Sorry it's an Auto so I should have quoted "4th. gear". Removing Step Relay does put the lights out. When stuck on the dipped beam is full power. The Dim Dip relay is certainly a suspect but WHERE is it located? I have a Workshop print pointing vaguely to the front passenger area but cannot locate it.

Oct 23rd, 2005, 08:32	#6
Peter D Peter D Last Online: Mar 2nd, 2015 21:03 Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Livingston	RE: 1992 240SE Main/Dipped Switching Problem Behind the side kick panel passenger side. Regards Peter

Nov 3rd, 2005, 23:45	#7
matchless matchless Last Online: Apr 4th, 2008 23:48 Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: coulsdon	RE: 1992 240SE Main/Dipped Switching Problem Thanks Peter .... found it buried away down there. Problem was a bad connection inside the relay can ... resoldered .... problem solved. Very many thanks for everyones help Matchless 1992 240SE

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