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700/900 Series General Forum for the Volvo 740, 760, 780, 940, 960 & S/V90 cars |
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940 headlights very dim with ageViews : 7428 Replies : 91Users Viewing This Thread : |
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Dec 18th, 2016, 12:26 | #1 |
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940 headlights very dim with age
I know there have been some threads long ago on how to improve old 700/900 headlights, I think they lose their reflective qualities?
Mine have become quite dire now, driving on unlit roads is now quite a slow nightmare Is it worth messing about trying to improve them and if so how? Do I recall somebody cleaning the reflective parts with toothpaste? Or is it best to swallow and buy a new pair, where might be cheapest? I see there have been some for sale on the forum but I don't want to take the chance that somebody else's secondhand ones might be slightly better than mine! Thanks
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Dec 18th, 2016, 12:32 | #2 | |
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Just found this, I think all my bulbs are from the 'Aldi' multi-sets, might give these Nightbreaker bulbs a try. Any tips on cleaning the reflectors anyone please?
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[IMG]Volvo2 by Strider'swoman, on Flickr[/IMG] Current '96 945 2.3 lpt - Aurigas, tailgate spoiler, sports grille, lpg fuelled Previous '88 764 TD, '92 945 TD, '88 745, '81 244 DL |
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Dec 18th, 2016, 12:34 | #3 |
Ovlovnut
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Common fail on 200's and phase 1 V70's this. I tried chromed tape on a V70's lights. Still failed the test so bought some cheap replacements to get it through.
On my 200, just this year prior to the test I bought a set of replacement reflectors from parts for volvo. Certainly not a bank breaker in cost. These were quite easy to replace too. Took it to a garage that doesnt charge for headlamp alignment & test sorted Have a look on PFV, see if they do reflectors for 9's maybe? Hopefully yours aren't sealed units?
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Dec 18th, 2016, 12:38 | #4 |
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Cheers Paul. They look like sealed beams but I distinctly remember members on here discussing cleaning the reflective parts?
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[IMG]Volvo2 by Strider'swoman, on Flickr[/IMG] Current '96 945 2.3 lpt - Aurigas, tailgate spoiler, sports grille, lpg fuelled Previous '88 764 TD, '92 945 TD, '88 745, '81 244 DL |
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Dec 18th, 2016, 15:03 | #5 |
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They are definitely NOT sealed beams: the lamps are a mix of H4 and H1 halogens (or equivalent) and the reflectors are IIRC accessible by removing the lens.
There have been threads about re-silvering on both this and the 200-Series sections but reports of the effect are mixed. It might be worth removing the glasses and soaking them in washing-up liquid and hot water to get rid of any algae that's sapping the light output. Dry the glasswork thoroughly before reinstalling. Also check that the lampbulbsa re properly seated in their housings.
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Dec 18th, 2016, 15:39 | #6 |
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Thanks Loki, I will try this next week when I am off work, they really are very bad now and yes, one does have algae inside but they are both equally dim, the one with and the one without algae!
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[IMG]Volvo2 by Strider'swoman, on Flickr[/IMG] Current '96 945 2.3 lpt - Aurigas, tailgate spoiler, sports grille, lpg fuelled Previous '88 764 TD, '92 945 TD, '88 745, '81 244 DL |
Dec 18th, 2016, 15:53 | #7 |
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While the wash rinse repeat is going on it might be an idea to stick a voltmeter across the bulb pins under load. Earth points, unlike Volvo owners, do not improve with age. I would be aiming to see no more than half a volt below the battery terminal voltage, motor idling.
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Nov 11th, 2019, 12:20 | #8 |
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I found the best way to clean light lenses is put them in the dish washer, but don't tell the wife.
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