Firstly you mention that all fuses and bulbs are good! In my experiance, change them anyway and still keep the old ones. You never know A: if they really are good or not, and B: one day you really could be stuck and need them. I would still query this and change anything related in any event.
Also, have you checked your fusebox? This could also be an issue, and like I say to anyone in this situation, never rule anything out unless you are absolutely certain. All the evidence will be apparrent from the start, and we just have to do some digging to find the cause and treat it.
Any broken wiring, bad earth or a short somewhere? Check this too, it might be relevant to what you are experiancing. Afterall cars are exposed to the elements, and the components have to deal with mechanical movement and vibration, as well as things like heat, cold, chemicals, water, dirt, rust, grit and foriegn objects being ingressed into the vehicle. You have heard how a water leak in your house can knock out your electricity supply right? What about the car? All of the above factors can damage or break things. So we need to look for this. Yes it is time consuming, but if you look forr loose or corroded, or any signs of the above, then your job is a lot easier. Even if you do have to pull out your wiring loom, which for the record is not an easy job.
Now, the very last two things. Have you noticed any strange things going on? maybe a window wiper isnt working, maybe the electric mirror motor is intermittent, maybe your clock inside your car isnt illuminated, or better still, the clock doesnt work. Or how about this? You have an engine management light that is on, or a parking/ emergency brake light that doesnt "go out" when you release the emergency brake lever. Or more aptly so, and likely; does one or both of your indicators flash faster than the other? Are they both fast? Both slower or not working? Also are all of your headlights and brake lights even and correct?
The reason why I asked the above questions is because by now you should be reading thhe electronic and electrical diagram of how your car is wired. This will help you identify exactly where your problem is, and what you need to do. You will need a workshop manual like the Haynes manual for your car, or some way to get hold of the electrical diagrams.
Or how about checking out these sites instead of buying the haynes? This should help you somewhat; but then you might have to buy the haynes anyway, but still. check these gems out
This I hope is the fixya for you, and I look forward to hearing your success. Well; you can always leave your comments, questions, hints, tips and so forth if you desire to. That way I can ensure I am the solution for you and others.
Answers & Comments
Hiya there,
Firstly you mention that all fuses and bulbs are good! In my experiance, change them anyway and still keep the old ones. You never know A: if they really are good or not, and B: one day you really could be stuck and need them. I would still query this and change anything related in any event.
Also, have you checked your fusebox? This could also be an issue, and like I say to anyone in this situation, never rule anything out unless you are absolutely certain. All the evidence will be apparrent from the start, and we just have to do some digging to find the cause and treat it.
Any broken wiring, bad earth or a short somewhere? Check this too, it might be relevant to what you are experiancing. Afterall cars are exposed to the elements, and the components have to deal with mechanical movement and vibration, as well as things like heat, cold, chemicals, water, dirt, rust, grit and foriegn objects being ingressed into the vehicle. You have heard how a water leak in your house can knock out your electricity supply right? What about the car? All of the above factors can damage or break things. So we need to look for this. Yes it is time consuming, but if you look forr loose or corroded, or any signs of the above, then your job is a lot easier. Even if you do have to pull out your wiring loom, which for the record is not an easy job.
Now, the very last two things. Have you noticed any strange things going on? maybe a window wiper isnt working, maybe the electric mirror motor is intermittent, maybe your clock inside your car isnt illuminated, or better still, the clock doesnt work. Or how about this? You have an engine management light that is on, or a parking/ emergency brake light that doesnt "go out" when you release the emergency brake lever. Or more aptly so, and likely; does one or both of your indicators flash faster than the other? Are they both fast? Both slower or not working? Also are all of your headlights and brake lights even and correct?
The reason why I asked the above questions is because by now you should be reading thhe electronic and electrical diagram of how your car is wired. This will help you identify exactly where your problem is, and what you need to do. You will need a workshop manual like the Haynes manual for your car, or some way to get hold of the electrical diagrams.
Or how about checking out these sites instead of buying the haynes? This should help you somewhat; but then you might have to buy the haynes anyway, but still. check these gems out
http://www.mediafire.com/?zd5di4mhngx
and
http://www.wiringdiagrams21.com/2008/09/12/1996-volvo-850-wiring-diagrams
This I hope is the fixya for you, and I look forward to hearing your success. Well; you can always leave your comments, questions, hints, tips and so forth if you desire to. That way I can ensure I am the solution for you and others.
Yours sincerely
Oz
Possible dimmer switch and or headlight switch