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Replace The Blinker, Brake Or Reverse Light Bulb on a Volvo 240

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Have a Volvo 240 with a burnt out tail light bulb? Good news - the fix is easy. In fact you don't even need any tools!

This was written for a 1993 Volvo Sedan (244). The procedure should be the same for any 1986 and up sedan. Please let me know in the comments if this procedure is same in the wagon models (245) or in a pre-1986 model.

Required Tools
  • All you need are your hands!
Required Parts
  • You'll need a replacement bulb. I've included the Sylvania bulbs you'll need which you can find in any regular auto parts store.
  • For the turn signal and back up lights you'll want Sylvania Bulbs 7506.
  • For the tail light or brake light you'll want Sylvania Bulbs 7528.
Step by Step Instructions

Getting to the bulbs

To get to the bulbs you'll need to remove two plastic covers from inside the trunk.

1

Loosen the hand-screw until the plastic cover is free from the screw that's securing it in place.

The tabs shown above are somewhat weak. Take care when dealing with them not to break them.

2

Hinge the cover from the bottom to remove it, being careful not to break the plastic tabs.

Image 8338 from Replace the Blinker, Brake or Reverse Light Bulb on a Volvo 240
3

Once hinged enough you can remove the covering.

Now you can see the bulbs. Each bulb is contained in a plastic housing.

Image 8341 from Replace the Blinker, Brake or Reverse Light Bulb on a Volvo 240

In my case the reverse light was out, so that's the one I'll be replacing. However it should be the same procedure for any of the bulbs shown above.

Removing the bulb

4

Turn the plastic bulb housing clockwise. From your perspective you'll be turning to the left.

5

Once rotated you can simply pull it out.

Image 8342 from Replace the Blinker, Brake or Reverse Light Bulb on a Volvo 240
Image 8343 from Replace the Blinker, Brake or Reverse Light Bulb on a Volvo 240
6

Now twist the bulb to the left (counter-clockwise) and pull straight up to remove it.

Replacing the bulb

The bulb should have a small indentation like the one shown below:

Image 8344 from Replace the Blinker, Brake or Reverse Light Bulb on a Volvo 240
7

Line the indentation with the small channel in the plastic housing.

8

Push the new bulb down firmly until it's all the way in.

9

With the bulb seated rotate it to the right (clockwise)

Image 8349 from Replace the Blinker, Brake or Reverse Light Bulb on a Volvo 240
10

Now put the bulb back in the car at the position shown below:

11

Once inserted, rotate clockwise. From your perspective you'll turn it to the left.

Put the covering back on

12

It's easiest to slide the plastic cover from the top to get it back on using the procedure shown below:

13

Finally, retighten the hand-screw. Be careful not to over-tighten, you just need to secure the cover. You may break the plastic if you over-tighten (that might be how mine got cracked!)

Conclusion & Wrap Up

Congrats! You're now a 240 bulb-changing master!

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zachberry
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