'Bendy Headlights' Failure

[bradams]

I have a mechanical failure with my active headlights - the xenon lights work fine, but the units no longer turn with the steering. A failure warning and symbol is on the dash display. The problem is that my Volvo garage (Arnold Clark, Stirling) couldn't find the fault and have (they say) put the wiring and maybe other bits on order - weeks ago. I can't help feeling I'm getting the run-around.

Has anyone come across this problem?

[ShamusUK]

I've read of this problem a few times, on this and other forums.

It's usually a faulty sensor on the rear axle (it calculates how much it needs to bend the headlight). It's a few hundred pounds to replace.

If not, then maybe a dodgy battery (cheap fix). If not, then maybe a dodgy headlamp assembly (expensive fix).

Thanks.

[Tannaton]

Your first step is to get it into a dealer or an indie with VIDA and get the codes read. There is a dedicated computer in the car to control the ABL headlights and this has various test procedures as well as the usually fault logging...

[bradams]

Originally Posted by ShamusUK

I've read of this problem a few times, on this and other forums.

It's usually a faulty sensor on the rear axle (it calculates how much it needs to bend the headlight). It's a few hundred pounds to replace.

If not, then maybe a dodgy battery (cheap fix). If not, then maybe a dodgy headlamp assembly (expensive fix).

Thanks.

Its under warranty, so cost should not be a problem. ... maybe it is to Arnold Clark!

[B6453]

Originally Posted by bradams

I have a mechanical failure with my active headlights - the xenon lights work fine, but the units no longer turn with the steering. A failure warning and symbol is on the dash display. The problem is that my Volvo garage (Arnold Clark, Stirling) couldn't find the fault and have (they say) put the wiring and maybe other bits on order - weeks ago. I can't help feeling I'm getting the run-around.

Has anyone come across this problem?

I currently have the exact same problem. My indie garage found various fault codes on the system and has been able to clear them all apart from C40086 and 904421. Does anyone know if these codes are related to the ABL system? My car is a 2014 year XC70 D5 with xenons.

[Tannaton]

Originally Posted by B6453

I currently have the exact same problem. My indie garage found various fault codes on the system and has been able to clear them all apart from C40086 and 904421. Does anyone know if these codes are related to the ABL system? My car is a 2014 year XC70 D5 with xenons.

I’d get another indie who knows what they’re doing and has the correct kit... any errors generated from the headlight module are usually explicit...

[I-S]

How's your 12V battery?

Issues with the ABL system are often early signs of a poor 12V battery (because they start doing their calibration dance around the same time that the engine is starting, and if the motors don't behave as expected (due to lower than expected voltage) then you will get errors.

[bradams]

Originally Posted by I-S

How's your 12V battery?

Issues with the ABL system are often early signs of a poor 12V battery (because they start doing their calibration dance around the same time that the engine is starting, and if the motors don't behave as expected (due to lower than expected voltage) then you will get errors.

Interesting. Not aware of any problem with the battery - the car starts and runs to order.
Arnold Clark have never come back; think I’ll head for an indie volvo electrician.