XC70 2004 Eating headlight bulbs

[Richardkimber]

My XC70 headlight bulbs (conventional bulbs) ony last 2-6 months, dependant on time of year. Why do they not last longer ? I am currently using Prolamp 55w Pt No BO499F.

My 940 bulbs (any make) would laste years.

Anybody have the same problem or hopfully a solution ? Don't tell me we have to use OEM Volvo bulbs for V70's ?

[Clan]

Originally Posted by Richardkimber

My XC70 headlight bulbs (conventional bulbs) ony last 2-6 months, dependant on time of year. Why do they not last longer ? I am currently using Prolamp 55w Pt No BO499F.

My 940 bulbs (any make) would laste years.

Anybody have the same problem or hopfully a solution ? Don't tell me we have to use OEM Volvo bulbs for V70's ?

Yes you do have to use genuine volvo long life H7 bulbs which last about 18 months or more . why don't you want to use them ?

They ( non volvo ) don't last longer because they have a rated life of a certain number of hours which is not suitable for use on a volvo with day running lights . Volvos tend to do a lot more miles than average too !

[Richardkimber]

Thanks.
My XC70 does not have day running lights, but the 940 did !. Does'nt make much sence ?
But will try the Volvo bulbs.

[Clan]

Originally Posted by Richardkimber

Thanks.
My XC70 does not have day running lights, but the 940 did !. Does'nt make much sence ?
But will try the Volvo bulbs.

The 940 used Dim Dip which runs the headlamp bulb at 30% voltage so it lasts forever ..
So you have your running lights turned off , then the bulbs should last a long time ,, strange . Yes try the volvo long life , should be fine . I have always found bulbs you can buy in general shops dont last long .
I restored a car in 1979 and used all volvo bulbs in it , It is still going 300,000 miles later and no bulbs have ever gone ...

[Georgeandkira]

Hello, There is no substitute for quality control whether it's in materials selection or production technique.

I'd like to point out that the plugs used in Volvos for their headlights are incredibly cheap. Not only did the thin plastic crumble away in both V70's I've owned, the female element within the socket loosened. There was no solid connection on the bulb's blades. I squeezed the connectors so they would bite firmly on the blades. I now employ a dab of dielectric grease on any bulb I replace.

So far, so good. If ever I notice the service life of bulbs resembling what they once were, I will toddle off to my Volvo dealer for better lamps. Kira

[Brendan W]

I use Ring bulbs at about a fiver a pop. They last about 18 months (20000 miles) and when one goes the other is sure to follow withing a few weeks. As Kira said the plugs break up which ironically is a good thing in that you then see how loose the spade connectors can become. I generally need to give them a squeeze. I suppose it is possible that the opening of the terminals is due to variability in the bulbs fitted - chicken and egg so to speak. I've never used the Volvo bulbs so can't comment. Maybe I could be getting a lot longer. Our Punto was ten years old before any of the original bulbs needed replacing so it is possible.

[Missing Lincs]

As Kira says, check the connector are clean and nice and tight. If they are loose, its a vicious circle, the connections overheat, they corrode, which makes them overheat more and so on. The extra heat kills bulbs.

I replace my dipped beam connectors for high quality ceramic encased ones. This has made a big difference.

[PeteB1]

As far as I am aware, the Volvo long life bulbs are actually made by Osram and are essentially these. Available as a double pack for a very reasonable sum. I've gone back to these after using Nightbreakers for 3 years which are good but obviously don't last as long.

[Richardkimber]

Thanks for all your comments.
I agree with the poor quality headlight plug comments. I have had to split one of the plugs in half as the negative side overheated and melted the holder. I replaced the burnt side with a separate insulated female spade . I suspect as you say the female spade connector had lost its grip and overheated. I also agree with the idea of using electrical lube to minimise contact resistance , hence heat.
Thanks again.