V50 dipped beam and other front light failures

Nitrous · Jan 1st, 2012, 21:25

I have a 58-plate V50 with standard halogen bulbs and the near side dipped beam bulb blew the night before last and I got a message on the dashboard display informing me of this.

Tonight, I took out the near side front light housing and replaced the blown H7 bulb with a new one - so far so good. However, after I'd replaced everything and turned all the power back on I have NO lights on the near side. The main beam still works, as does the turn indicator / hazard light but the dip beam, parking/side light and the orange side marker light are all out.

I've taken everything out again several times and rechecked the positioning of the connector for the wiring to the lights unit but still no joy.

I did wonder if a fuse had gone somewhere but the manual doesn't list a fuse for these lights and I seem to recall reading on here somewhere that the dipped beam lights are on a direct feed without a specific fuse (?).

Any suggestions as to a diagnosis - and a cure...?!

All help much appreciated!!

Clan · Jan 1st, 2012, 21:29

Firstly double check those bulbs if they were original they will be weak and the jolting could have blown them , Did you use a volvo long-life H7 replacment for the Dip ? If not be prepared to change it again agter a few months . The long life last around 18 months or more . The H7 one you fitted maybe faulty .

Nitrous · Jan 1st, 2012, 21:36

Yeah, those were all the obvious thoughts. The bulb is a bog-standard H7 spare that I had in the car 'cos I'm supposed to be driving back down to London from Manchester tonight (although that won't be happening if I can't get the near side lights working...!).

My plan was to change *both* dipped beam H7 bulbs to something better later in the week but the spare would do for now. Yes, it is possible that this one is also duff but it looked OK before it went in.

I will try replacing all the others as well but it seemed unlikely that they'd all go together - although I acknowledge it's possible...!

Thanks for your thoughts!

Nitrous · Jan 1st, 2012, 22:37

OK, Clan - you were right, the bulbs for the side marker and the parking lights had both gone too. This is very nnoying as I only have one of those bulbs spare - but the one I put in (side marker) does at least now work.

It could just have been the process of taking out the whole light fitting but I wonder if I dropped the near side front wheel into a pothole or something like that that might have jarred that side of the car. A bit irritating for them ALL to go off at the same time! Grrrrrr.

I still can't get the new dipped beam bulb to work though. Think I'll give up for tonight and just replace everything tomorrow morning when I can find somewhere that's open. Hopefully there will be something, despite it being a bank holiday. Might have to give in and find a branch of Halfords...!

7050man · Jan 2nd, 2012, 19:18

Have you tried the new (failed ?) bulb in the other head light.

Only takes a few minutes and whilst there you could try that bulb in the failed side.

This will prove for sure that problem is with bulb and not wiring.

Re replacement bulbs, if you have an Asda petrol station, then their H7's are only £3.

I fitted one a few months ago.

Volvo ones may well last longer, but if you want a quick get you home legally option, then garage bulbs have to do and are much cheaper of course.

Jan 1st, 2012, 21:25	#1
Nitrous New Member Last Online: Oct 13th, 2018 16:32 Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: London	V50 dipped beam and other front light failures I have a 58-plate V50 with standard halogen bulbs and the near side dipped beam bulb blew the night before last and I got a message on the dashboard display informing me of this. Tonight, I took out the near side front light housing and replaced the blown H7 bulb with a new one - so far so good. However, after I'd replaced everything and turned all the power back on I have NO lights on the near side. The main beam still works, as does the turn indicator / hazard light but the dip beam, parking/side light and the orange side marker light are all out. I've taken everything out again several times and rechecked the positioning of the connector for the wiring to the lights unit but still no joy. I did wonder if a fuse had gone somewhere but the manual doesn't list a fuse for these lights and I seem to recall reading on here somewhere that the dipped beam lights are on a direct feed without a specific fuse (?). Any suggestions as to a diagnosis - and a cure...?! All help much appreciated!!

Jan 1st, 2012, 21:29	#2
Clan Experienced Member Last Online: Yesterday 23:35 Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: L/H side	Firstly double check those bulbs if they were original they will be weak and the jolting could have blown them , Did you use a volvo long-life H7 replacment for the Dip ? If not be prepared to change it again agter a few months . The long life last around 18 months or more . The H7 one you fitted maybe faulty . __________________ My comments are only based on my opinions and vast experience .

Jan 1st, 2012, 21:36	#3
Nitrous New Member Last Online: Oct 13th, 2018 16:32 Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: London	Yeah, those were all the obvious thoughts. The bulb is a bog-standard H7 spare that I had in the car 'cos I'm supposed to be driving back down to London from Manchester tonight (although that won't be happening if I can't get the near side lights working...!). My plan was to change both dipped beam H7 bulbs to something better later in the week but the spare would do for now. Yes, it is possible that this one is also duff but it looked OK before it went in. I will try replacing all the others as well but it seemed unlikely that they'd all go together - although I acknowledge it's possible...! Thanks for your thoughts!

Jan 1st, 2012, 22:37	#4
Nitrous New Member Last Online: Oct 13th, 2018 16:32 Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: London	OK, Clan - you were right, the bulbs for the side marker and the parking lights had both gone too. This is very nnoying as I only have one of those bulbs spare - but the one I put in (side marker) does at least now work. It could just have been the process of taking out the whole light fitting but I wonder if I dropped the near side front wheel into a pothole or something like that that might have jarred that side of the car. A bit irritating for them ALL to go off at the same time! Grrrrrr. I still can't get the new dipped beam bulb to work though. Think I'll give up for tonight and just replace everything tomorrow morning when I can find somewhere that's open. Hopefully there will be something, despite it being a bank holiday. Might have to give in and find a branch of Halfords...!

Jan 2nd, 2012, 19:18	#5
7050man Master Member Last Online: Jan 25th, 2019 17:19 Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Kent	Have you tried the new (failed ?) bulb in the other head light. Only takes a few minutes and whilst there you could try that bulb in the failed side. This will prove for sure that problem is with bulb and not wiring. Re replacement bulbs, if you have an Asda petrol station, then their H7's are only £3. I fitted one a few months ago. Volvo ones may well last longer, but if you want a quick get you home legally option, then garage bulbs have to do and are much cheaper of course.

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)