wires in the tailgate hinge

car: 1989 240 wagon

I'm getting intermittant operation of the center brake light, and it seems
to be caused by the wiring passing thru the hinge... how difficult is it to
replace the cables? Looks like I need to remove or at least drop the ceiling
panel, what's involved?

 

Perry,

I sold my 240 GLT wagon several years back, so I hope I remember the
steps. You need not be a rocket scientist to do this.

First, Volvo sells the cable bundle of wires that pass through the
hinge. It is a short harness that connects at each end to the existing
wiring harness. Each side is different, and there are groups of years
that are different.

You can also make your own. I have done it both ways. I recommend
buying the Volvo section.

You will need to remove the hinge from both the car and the door to
effectively snake and install the new cable. Which means that you need
to have an assistant support the door while the hinge is removed.

My 240 wagon had the vinyl headliner that was easy to drop down at just
the corner near the hinge. Depending on your headliner this may be more
difficult. Above the headliner you gain access to the fasteners for the
hinge and the wiring connectors.

Mark with tape on the body and door the location of the hinge. It's
exact location is somewhat adjustable.

My Volvo hinges were attached with Phillips head bolts. Two on the car
body and two on the door. The bolts on the car body were in different
directions, not in parallel.

The wire connectors are most likely covered in foam tape.

I hope this helps

Spencer

 

There's something here:

<URL:http://www.swedishbricks.net/faq/tailgate.html>

I have '90 model and the wiper is on the right side, presumably the
brake light and the rest are on the left.

I used silicone wire as replacement. Probably it'll outlast the car
and didn't cost more than a euro per metre or so...