2010 C30: Can headlights be coded to actually switch off?
 

Hi all, my 2010 facelift C30 has it's dipped beam on all the time, but can it be coded to stay off? Or coded so that just the sidelights stay on?

Mine doesn't have auto lights or DRLs by the way. And the few times I've manually switched to sidelights I've forgotten to switch them off when I leave the car as there's no audio warning buzz or chime! :speechless-smiley-5

Would be good to know as I don't use my car much and in broad daylight I'd rather they stay off.

TIA.

There is a software module can be applied by dealer/legitimate VIDA subscription that does allow you to turn the lights off. Some report unwillingness to do so by many dealers citing safety concerns.

I think you actually DO have DRL's, and in Volvo's way its the dipped lights ON on position 0 that utilise PWM to use less power than on pos 2.
DRL off is the dealer-only job, will cost you apx 100, more or less depending on the stealership

I can understand this Sysyphus...

I get you LoB... was thinking of DRLs as specifically being LEDs (which I think later or high-spec models might have instead of front fogs?). I think even if I found a willing dealer the £100 or so cost is very difficult to justify... :sad-smiley-047:

Says in the manual that they can be deactivated by a dealer.
It doesn't bother me any more and I've got used to it.
Also helps as I came into a C30 from a Renault with auto lights so I don't have to remember to turn them on myself now.
People say that they're dimmer in position 0 than in 2, but I have checked them against a wall and quickly switched between the positions and can tell no discernible difference.
It also gives the car a sense of presence on the road without you being a fog light ****** :tounge_smile:

Haha!

I think I've always tried to conserve battery juice (especially as I only really use a car at the weekend) so it seems a bit wasteful to have dipped beam on every moment the car is on – and this isn't the first time I've heard that there's no difference in the two settings for dipped beam either. I have the car lined up for a service in around a month's time and the specialist I'm using seems to think it's possible... if it's silly money then I'll just leave as is and put that money towards a new battery! :icon_smile_lachuh:

When the engine is running, the electrics are powered by the alternator so don't worry about your battery.

If you have the car serviced by dealer then they are more open to deactivating them for free or lower charge. Only problem is that a dealer service price compared to others means it tends to end up the same cost.
I put a foam ring around the switch and put it on door handle so I am reminded to switch off when getting out.

No, not really "dimmer", atleast not in terms of human eye. Its controlled by PWM (power modulo) similar to the 4-pin fans in your PC. On "day" settings those are getting 60% PWM so technically its not receiving full power BUT human eye see it still as fully "on", when on night setting are provided with almost full (90% I think) PWM power. Cant describe it better as I dont fully understand the electronic behind it but thats how it works :)
also, thats the main reason why installing HID ballast and running it on 60% PWM can cause all uplseantness (hence all this DRL=OFF before you go HID , posts).

Agree regarding the main dealer service aspect Bungo, but doubt I'll use a main dealer for this car as it's history isn't fVsh – if it was I might've maintained it.

Good solution to avoid forgetting the lights on exit! :regular_smile:

OK, good to know LOB. At night I've just left the lights in the '0' position: I'll try it on the other setting and see if I can tell any difference as in theory it should bump up another 30% which should be noticeable.