V40: Odd Headlight problem

[hamwa]

Hi everyone,

I've got an odd problem on my 2003 V40 1.9Di.
For the last few months I haven't been able to put the headlights on "High Beam" - I have to hold the stalk...
It's summer and Covid lockdown so I wasn't particularly worried, however last week the RHS headlight quit on me (daylight running lights). I changed the bulb, nothing. So I tested the headlight "plug" with a multimeter and got 11,90 volts. I have tried several different bulbs and still no joy.
I am utterly flummoxed.
Could it be that the "High Beam" problem and the headlight problem are connected?
Should I replace the light control relay (3523200)? Or is there another solution?

Thanks in advance for any hints on this

[gatos]

Originally Posted by hamwa

Hi everyone,

I've got an odd problem on my 2003 V40 1.9Di.
For the last few months I haven't been able to put the headlights on "High Beam" - I have to hold the stalk...
It's summer and Covid lockdown so I wasn't particularly worried, however last week the RHS headlight quit on me (daylight running lights). I changed the bulb, nothing. So I tested the headlight "plug" with a multimeter and got 11,90 volts. I have tried several different bulbs and still no joy.
I am utterly flummoxed.
Could it be that the "High Beam" problem and the headlight problem are connected?
Should I replace the light control relay (3523200)? Or is there another solution?

Thanks in advance for any hints on this

The RHS headlight problem is most probably (99.99%) due to a faulty relay in the CEM module which is located under the plastic cover on the drivers footwell. The relay is soldered on, one for each h3adlight and are known to fail from time to time.

If you are very good at soldering and have a proper soldering iron station, then you can replace it yourself. Or if not, I offer a repair service myself with a 5 year guarantee.

With regards to the main beam not staying on, it could be down to a couple of reasons. First of all, the headlight switch must be at the 12 o clock position, in order for the main beam to be engaged and stay on. If you have it at the 9 o clock position, it won't stay on.
If not this, then the next most probable cause is an incomatibility between the indicator stalk and the CEM. Can you please tell me what is the part number on your CEM. It should most probably be either 30638707or possibly 30621304. The equivalent part numbers for a right hand drive car in the UK would be 30638708 and 30621305

[gatos]

See my guide here: https://m.facebook.com/notes/alex-ga...j7942xHB6r3NBL of how to access and remove the CEM. It is obviously for a right hand drive car, but it's exactly the same on left hand drive cars, but mirrorred

[P156KWJ]

A good temporary solution to the sticky relay for me was a firm bash of the panel in front of where the CEM sits, broken headlight came back to life and has been fine for 6 months so far... (results may vary)

[CharlesStevenson]

Originally Posted by P156KWJ

A good temporary solution to the sticky relay for me was a firm bash of the panel in front of where the CEM sits, broken headlight came back to life and has been fine for 6 months so far... (results may vary)

I was going to suggest exactly the same 'cure'... which also has the benefit of confirming that the problem's being caused by a relay failing.

[gatos]

Originally Posted by hamwa

I changed the bulb, nothing. So I tested the headlight "plug" with a multimeter and got 11,90 volts.

This simple test, confirms that 99.99% it is a failed relay. If he was getting 0V then the problem could also be elsewhere