940 headlights very dim with age - Page 3

Rversteeg · Apr 24th, 2017, 13:42

I would be a bit careful with 100/90W headlamps, as I already think with the standard 50W ones the relay gets rather warm. As the heat is created by resistance in the relay contacts it might even be worse when the relays get older in time. If you take out the ashtray and you can check the temperature of the relay housing after the headlamps have been working for some time. It is the single relay with metal housing in the front.
I recently changed the H4 bulbs for LEDs and the improvement is dramatic! I also did the sidemarkers as their yellow stood out too much compared to the very white headlamps. Another bonus is the 25W power consumption versus the 50W of the H4 bulbs.
http://www.nssclighting.com/5s-9006-...-p00075p1.html
Straight fit, no issues. The braided cooling strips can be folded away nicely inside the headlamp unit.

martin calva · Apr 24th, 2017, 20:14

Thanks for that Rversteeg.

I'll take a look at the relay. Two 50-watt bulbs is only 8A total, so if the relay is overheating at that current, I'd count it as defective. Probably needs opening up and contacts resurfacing with a diamond file.

Of course, it's even possible that a relay with imperfect contacts is the reason why the headlamps were insufficiently bright in the first place.

aardvarkash10 · Apr 25th, 2017, 10:04

the relay only switches the live side. The real problem is the contacts on the dip switch (high/low beam switch). These are definitely in trouble once they are told to carry 200w loads.

deeman940 · Apr 25th, 2017, 19:19

I fitted some LED headlamp bulbs the other day my mate bought them round as a present because he noticed how ****e my headlamps were. they are fantastic, I can actually see in unlit lanes now! I will take a pic later of the box...think they were about £20 on ebay. WELL worth the money imo.

TonyS9 · Apr 26th, 2017, 19:51

LEDs are improving all the time, if you have a good solution then please post the link and preferably a photo of the bulb/packaging, specs etc.

Laney760 · Nov 16th, 2018, 12:46

Hi to All

Thread resurrection

My headlights are now so dim I must get around to buying a pair of LED lamps for fitting this autumn/winter

Most of the links in this thread no longer work

Can somebody link me to LED H4's to fit my 940 please?

Many thanks

Stephen Edwin · Nov 16th, 2018, 14:47

I suggest: fundamentals first. The headlights were obviously OK previously. They have declined.

I don't know about your model of Volvo. I am from upstairs, the 240 section. The 240 issue is that reflectors corrode. Headlights consequently dwindle. It's not an absolutely easy thing to fix but, well I managed to replace my headlight reflectors.

What I am saying is this. What is the actual cause of your headlights becoming dim?

If the reflectors are corroded, brighter light sources will be trying to work shine via corroded reflectors.

What is the actual cause of your headlights decline?

Fitting LED will not address that cause. Fitting LED is a separate issue.

Fist get the basics right.

I am trying to help.

Stephen Edwin · Nov 16th, 2018, 15:19

On re-reading this thread. Ahem. You still need new headlight reflectors. Init?

Stephen Edwin · Nov 16th, 2018, 16:40

Quote:

Originally Posted by Laney760

Hi to All

Thread resurrection

My headlights are now so dim .....

Is your car roadworthy?

Yes. I am feeling feisty today.

But then again I am full of a Shakespearian feeling re the EU.

How DARE any prime minister of Her Majesty bring to Parliament a treaty that the Kingdom cannot leave without permission???

Theresa May proposes a whole new chapter in Erskine May. EEK.

"This England never did nor never shall lie at the proud foot of a conqueror save when her princes first did do Her wrong."

.

TomSaintJames · Nov 17th, 2018, 08:20

I'm quite interested in the outcome of this thread as the lights on my hearse are less than brilliant! Although it probably has ancient bulbs. Could we compile a checklist for troubleshooting dim lights? I'm new to the electrickery scene but reading this thread has thrown up some common suggestions:

1. Check earth connections, cable crimps etc(any specific cables/areas?)
2. Check reflectors and headlight lenses for corrosion/algae/cleanliness
3. Something about relays
4. Headlamp bulb integrity/quality/power output/blackened glass
5. Battery integrity/size/output etc

Apr 24th, 2017, 13:42	#21
Rversteeg Master Member Last Online: Yesterday 15:43 Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Amersfoort (NL)	Relay I would be a bit careful with 100/90W headlamps, as I already think with the standard 50W ones the relay gets rather warm. As the heat is created by resistance in the relay contacts it might even be worse when the relays get older in time. If you take out the ashtray and you can check the temperature of the relay housing after the headlamps have been working for some time. It is the single relay with metal housing in the front. I recently changed the H4 bulbs for LEDs and the improvement is dramatic! I also did the sidemarkers as their yellow stood out too much compared to the very white headlamps. Another bonus is the 25W power consumption versus the 50W of the H4 bulbs. http://www.nssclighting.com/5s-9006-...-p00075p1.html Straight fit, no issues. The braided cooling strips can be folded away nicely inside the headlamp unit.

Apr 25th, 2017, 19:19	#24
deeman940 Master Member Last Online: Apr 4th, 2024 17:58 Join Date: Oct 2015 Location: watford	Led I fitted some LED headlamp bulbs the other day my mate bought them round as a present because he noticed how ****e my headlamps were. they are fantastic, I can actually see in unlit lanes now! I will take a pic later of the box...think they were about £20 on ebay. WELL worth the money imo.

Nov 16th, 2018, 12:46	#26
Laney760 VOC Member Last Online: Mar 18th, 2024 12:17 Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Henley on Thames	Hi to All Thread resurrection My headlights are now so dim I must get around to buying a pair of LED lamps for fitting this autumn/winter Most of the links in this thread no longer work Can somebody link me to LED H4's to fit my 940 please? Many thanks __________________ [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

Nov 17th, 2018, 08:20	#30
TomSaintJames Senior Member Last Online: Apr 8th, 2024 17:50 Join Date: Jul 2018 Location: Yeovil	I'm quite interested in the outcome of this thread as the lights on my hearse are less than brilliant! Although it probably has ancient bulbs. Could we compile a checklist for troubleshooting dim lights? I'm new to the electrickery scene but reading this thread has thrown up some common suggestions: 1. Check earth connections, cable crimps etc(any specific cables/areas?) 2. Check reflectors and headlight lenses for corrosion/algae/cleanliness 3. Something about relays 4. Headlamp bulb integrity/quality/power output/blackened glass 5. Battery integrity/size/output etc __________________ Mes voitures: 1985 Citroen BX 1.9 GT 1988 Volvo 740 GL Hearse 1991 Saab 900i 2.0 16v Convertible 2007 Lexus RX 400h SE

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

Apr 24th, 2017, 20:14	#22
martin calva Senior Member Last Online: Feb 8th, 2024 21:33 Join Date: Apr 2015 Location: Falaise	Thanks for that Rversteeg. I'll take a look at the relay. Two 50-watt bulbs is only 8A total, so if the relay is overheating at that current, I'd count it as defective. Probably needs opening up and contacts resurfacing with a diamond file. Of course, it's even possible that a relay with imperfect contacts is the reason why the headlamps were insufficiently bright in the first place.

Apr 25th, 2017, 10:04	#23
aardvarkash10 Master Member Last Online: Oct 8th, 2022 22:22 Join Date: Sep 2016 Location: Auckland	the relay only switches the live side. The real problem is the contacts on the dip switch (high/low beam switch). These are definitely in trouble once they are told to carry 200w loads.

Apr 26th, 2017, 19:51	#25
TonyS9 Premier Member Last Online: Apr 9th, 2024 21:44 Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Holywood	LEDs are improving all the time, if you have a good solution then please post the link and preferably a photo of the bulb/packaging, specs etc.

Nov 16th, 2018, 14:47	#27
Stephen Edwin Premier Member Last Online: Oct 26th, 2023 20:42 Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Thurrock	I suggest: fundamentals first. The headlights were obviously OK previously. They have declined. I don't know about your model of Volvo. I am from upstairs, the 240 section. The 240 issue is that reflectors corrode. Headlights consequently dwindle. It's not an absolutely easy thing to fix but, well I managed to replace my headlight reflectors. What I am saying is this. What is the actual cause of your headlights becoming dim? If the reflectors are corroded, brighter light sources will be trying to work shine via corroded reflectors. What is the actual cause of your headlights decline? Fitting LED will not address that cause. Fitting LED is a separate issue. Fist get the basics right. I am trying to help.

Nov 16th, 2018, 15:19	#28
Stephen Edwin Premier Member Last Online: Oct 26th, 2023 20:42 Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Thurrock	On re-reading this thread. Ahem. You still need new headlight reflectors. Init?

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