Rear Tail Lights Not Working!

[Willy]

I am afraid it is a known issue, even a weakness.
See for example this thread:
http://www.volvoxc.com/forums/showth...034-Rear-hatch
As has been noted above, it is not safe to use a higher fuse rating, the wiring may not be up to it.
Willy

[Allen]

Wow! That is some serious wiring damage!! That crap could cause a fire.

[Willy]

Indeed, although fuses will probably prevent the worse from happening, it is a serious issue!
I feel that, knowing that these wires will be bent a lot, the manufacturer should
have anticpated this by providing more flexible wiring (such as breaded wires)
in a more flexible (also in cold temperatures) insulation.
Willy

[ssicarman]

Digging this up again to post a picture of how Volvo is doing the wiring harness on the tailgat now.



Hopefully changed enough to take care of work hardening of the wires.

[Tacoman]

This reply is a little late but I had to make my comment. I cut into the wire bundle at the rear cargo door hinge and found 3 wires that were completely severed. Just like described by XCHauler I spliced/soldered and re-taped and behold, all marker lights, and license plate lights now work. The wires not severed were simply taped. Hopefully this will last awhile but I suspect the problem will occur again. Many thanks to XCHauler and others for the advice. I only wish I had read the VolvoXC.com forum earlier before I completely disassembled the rear light assembly and replaced all the bulbs. I went through about 25 10 amp fuses in the process. Would you believe that the same problem occurred for me years ago with my '87 240DL? Thanks again! Tacoman

[frozenphoeniks]

Let me add my experience. Had the same problem with the right tail light and license plate light, burnt the fuse every time I tried to change it. For me, it was wiring for the tow hitch. Finally, they had to change the whole cable (order it from Sweeden).