Changing beam direction

[-bobda-]

I have a 2003 S40, with HID lights and I'm going to be driving in Europe in a weeks time. IS there any way I can adjust the beam myself, rather than have to take it to the dealer?

I have tools.

[CTCNetwork]

Hi,

I believe that there should be a control or adjustment at the back of the light unit to swap orientation of the lamps..
Is there no instruction in the user manual/owners guide??

Des. . .

[-bobda-]

There's no mention of it in the owners handbook, no.

I'll have a look, but all I recall seeing around the headlight area was level adjusters, which are on top of the slam panel.

[CTCNetwork]

Originally Posted by -bobda-

There's no mention of it in the owners handbook, no.

I'll have a look, but all I recall seeing around the headlight area was level adjusters, which are on top of the slam panel.

May be a dealer thing - but I don't think so, or is easy enough if you know how.

The adjustment is at the back of the lamp unit, not on the slam panel.
You will need to open the back of the box to access the adjuster if I remember.

This was from a year or so ago when I asked about how to in a dealers when looking and a new model..
A bit sketchy I know, but what I was told..

Des. . .

[Andy P]

As far as I know, there is no way to adjust the beam direction, hence the different part numbers for LHD and RHD lights.

Andy P

[-bobda-]

Right. Had a look earlier on and there's no lever to adjust. I had a lever on an Alfa I had a few years ago, but that had the 'projector globe' style lights and no reflectors. I think I'll just get some stick on jobbies, even though they probably won't work.

Either that, or I'll turn off the DRL and not drive at night!

[mharriso]

go with reflectors, dipped lights and turn your drivng / fogs on, at least you'll geta reasonable amount of light....avoid full / main beam....
re day time, the lamp brightness won't dazzle above day light.....so wouldn't worry....

[catflem]

I had the reverse problem as I have a series 1 UK V40 imported to France. My lights are the standard Volvo lights and the beam deflectors worked fine until I had to change my lights to register the car in France.

The deflectors were a rip off (about £7 in Halfords) but they solved my initial problem. Whenever I return to the UK I now use strategically placed electrical tape which works just as well.

I think I've still got the Halfords instructions kicking around somewhere that shows where the deflectors (or tape) should be placed - e mail me if you'd like a scanned copy of the instructions.

Just in case you're not clued up on european driving a few notes that may be handy, apologies if I'm teaching my granny..........................

1. In many countries there is a give way to the right law, not at all like the UK give way laws. You can be proceeding down the main road assuming you have the right of way and then find that some nutter pulls out from a minor road to the right of you - that nutter is quite sane, he has the legal right of way. In some countries the right of way is signalled by a yellow diamond, if its crossed out then you do not have the right of way.
2. Be very wary of giving the 2 fingered (or any other) salute.
3. Use headlights when its raining.
4. Depending on which countries you are visiting the following may be required, High visibility vest, warning triangle, spare bulb kit, first aid kit.
5. A GB sticker will also be required, some ferry companies give these away free (LD Lines for one), unless you have the new style number plates with the country of origin on them.
6. Carry enough cash with you for on the spot fines.

There are also many other minor differences between UK laws and european.

Cheers

[morphinemitt]

Thanks for that catflem.
As for the original Q, the only way I'm aware of is the aforementioned stickers from Halfords.

Hope this helps.

Morphinemitt

[volvostu19]

It is possible to buy headlamp protectors with the beam deflectors already in & set from the dealers, I had a set not so long back but cost £35 but they only take a second to fit & remove