Xenon Headlight Issue

[raleigh753]

Drove my car (2004 xc70 D5 se lux face lift) last night and the headlights are pointed to the ground ! I could drive with main beam on and nobody noticed ! Plugged Vida-Dice in and I have the error REM-8F10 Position sensor xenon lamp signal too high. I have checked the sensor on the rear axle and unbolted the bracket and ensured it has free movement. Bolted back on after having my other half observe the headlights for movement - nothing so suspect the module is kaput ! Tried a re calibration also but get the error REM-8F13 Position sensor xenon lamp Calibration fault.
My two questions are :- How do I remove the sensor unit as it appears to be semi inside the wishbone with no clues or bolts to remove it (cable goes in through a cut out in the top of the wishbone) with no access what-so-ever. My other question is the other faults I have come across regarding this is REM-8F11 - voltage too low , unable to find any reference to mine on the net !At present I cannot drive the vehicle at night as it is too dangerous so having to use my S80 - OK for now but with the impending bad weather forecast for East Yorkshire and a 100 mile round trip too work want to try and get it working asap.

[100K+]

I can't offer you any advice re removal of the position sensor, as my V70 operates with 2, not 1, but have you, as a temporary measure used the plastic dome nuts above the headlights to raise the beam pattern to their highest point. When mine went south I had two full turns, which did not give a "standard pattern" but was a lot better than the shining only 6ft down the road I previously had.


Good luck
Cheers
Bob

[raleigh753]

Thanks Bob - think that's what I will have to do for now. Looking on line and there are various level sensors but have to remove mine first to cross refer ! Its going to be a cold weekend working under the car

[jnmonaghan]

How did you check the headlight range adjustment sensor on the rear axle. (This component is only for Xenon headlights)

Jude

[raleigh753]

As both xenon headlights were pointing straight down to the floor and I had jacked the car up the same day to fit a new rear off side brake calliper - and the lights were fine before then ! I unbolted the level sensor and gently moved it up and down whilst my other half watched the lights and observed no movement. Lubricated the ball joints on the sensor and refitted it back to the car, retested and still the same with the same error message on Vida - after doing a SUM Calibration as well. Will try and find out how the sensor comes off and get the reference details off it to obtain the correct replacement.

[jnmonaghan]

Can I take it, if the Xenon headlights rise and fall on switch on, that this sensor is OK.? I was hoping that there is a bench test that I can do, using a DVM.

Jude

[raleigh753]

Had another 'play' today and the 'live' value on Vida shows 4.98 to 5v constant - hence 'signal too high' errorv - should read 1.75-3.5 v . Disconnected arm from the car lower arm and gently moved it through a full range of movement - voltage remains at 5 v so unit is FUBAR .Vehicle is a 'facelift' version and the sensor is riveted on the arm at the top and is impossible to gain access to remove it so it is a trip to the dealers or specialist to replace !

[100K+]

Originally Posted by raleigh753

Vehicle is a 'facelift' version and the sensor is riveted on the arm at the top and is impossible to gain access to remove it so it is a trip to the dealers or specialist to replace !

Oh!! That's a PIA. So the mounting of the sensor is not the same as on the V70 AWD R. The upper mounting of mine was a nightmare to remove/replace. IIRC I had the opposite side wheel off and attacked at 90deg. to the wheel hub with 1/4" extension/wobble bars.

Cheers
Bob

[raleigh753]

I tried to gain access to 2 x torque screws which seem to mount the plastic body of the sensor to the mounting bracket with various wobble bars etc. and liberal amounts of WD40 - unfortunately being in the position it is and the drive shaft etc. it is impossible Going to phone my specialists first thing in the morning (Hutton Bros).