GUIDE: Refreshing a headlight switch

[JSeaman]

Whilst fault finding on my car I needed to rule out my headlight switch as a problem, whilst this is by no means a service item, a few people have commented about switch contacts causing issue so here's how to get to it and clean it

Step 1 - There are two posidrive screws that hold the base of the unit in place, remove the



Step 2 - Gently ease the unit forward, there should be little/no resistance



Step 3 - Note there should be a piece of plastic running from the tube you can see at the back to the little semi circle where my finger is pointing. This just slides out normally

[JSeaman]

Step 4 - For the two multiplugs, simply lift the tab and pull the connector away




Step 5 - Depress the 4 grey tabs and slide the switch mechanism out of the surround

[JSeaman]

Step 6 - There are now 6 tabs that lock the unit together, very gently ease each one back and allow the inner piece to pop up a very small amount. Once you have released all 6, the unit will separate easily. Note that if you are forceful you will probably break the plastic, a flatblade screwdriver and gentle care or even a fingernail will suffice



Step 7 - Remove the cover and you will have access to the switch contacts



Step 8 - Clean up the two contacts on the switch itself

[JSeaman]

Step 9 - Wipe off any signs of scoring where the contacts travel on the metal work. Also look for any signs of water ingress (green build up etc) which need to be gently removed



Step 10 - Once clean you can use electrical contact grease for longevity or simply refit dry



Step 11 - Refit into the surrounds and clip together the unit then pop the multiplug back on and afix with the two screws removed in step 1

[40s]

hi js, i think you'r missing two contacts on the rorty switch, i've got three of these on mine, look at step 8, did you take yours off for cleaning ?

[JSeaman]

Nope, the middle one is just the fixing point on mine - you can also see from the wear grooves that there were only ever two

[40s]

Originally Posted by JSeaman

Nope, the middle one is just the fixing point on mine - you can also see from the wear grooves that there were only ever two

must be differant , mine is a 98 s40 and you have 97 v40 i thought they'ed be the same, that aside fantastic write up very clear, thanks

[JSeaman]

Thanks a lot - it seems that Volvo change things a lot more than I was expecting between years/models, hopefully the principles will apply to all/the majority!