# Volvo 240 Tail light problem

**URL:** <https://community.cartalk.com/t/volvo-240-tail-light-problem/5898>\
**Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\
**Tags:** volvo, lights\
**Created:** [October 13, 2007, 5:13pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/volvo-240-tail-light-problem/5898 "2007-10-13T17:13:43Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 3\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![Oddspock](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/ea666f/32.png) [@Oddspock](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Oddspock)\
**Post date:** [October 13, 2007, 5:13pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/volvo-240-tail-light-problem/5898/1 "2007-10-13T17:13:43Z")

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Hi all, I am in the midst of fixing my '89 Volvo 240 sedan. While fixing the brake lights I noticed on one side (the passenger side)the dual filament bulb stays full-on bright as if the brake pedal was pressed whereas the driverside brakelight is fine. If I move the socket just right the light will dim to normal running brightness however when the brake pedal is pressed the light goes out all together. I am using the proper socket, a 3 pronged white socket and the proper dual filament bulb so i am confused as to what is wrong. If there are any other volvo people out there who could help me out id appreciate it very much. Thank you very much.  
  
  
  
 -N

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**Author:** ![Roadrunner](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/d2c977/32.png) [@Roadrunner](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Roadrunner)\
**Post date:** [October 13, 2007, 8:04pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/volvo-240-tail-light-problem/5898/2 "2007-10-13T20:04:14Z")

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I’m not saying you don’t know how to insert a bulb properly, but, it is easy to insert it backwards. Doing this will guarantee a brake light effect.

Barring that, there may be a short in the wiring somewhere along the way from the switch to the rear bulb socket. Perhaps fraying from rubbing on metal.

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**Author:** ![BustedKnuckles](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/bustedknuckles/32/25_2.png) [@BustedKnuckles](https://community.cartalk.com/u/BustedKnuckles)\
**Post date:** [October 13, 2007, 10:31pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/volvo-240-tail-light-problem/5898/3 "2007-10-13T22:31:09Z")

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Also, bad grounding can cause this. My '88 Toyota has a ground wire that attaches to the bulb housing at the hold-down bolt. The light housing is plastic, so they needed to use a ground wire. But, the screw came loose, and the bulb lost ground. It back-feed the brake lights through the tail-light circuit looking for ground. Check to see if you have the same problem.