S40 T5 cutting out when lights are on.

[boflit]

I'm looking to buy an S40 for my wife, but an interesting one has popped up on my radar that has an electrical issue, but is super cheap hence my interest.

The owner says a headlight was smashed and replaced, but since then, the car starts and drives fine, but when the headlights are turned on the engine shuts off.

I'm trying to get more details around this, i.e. is it immediate and does it just stall or does it cough and splutter.

However, it sounds like he has done some diagnosis and its possibly related to the fuseboard the headlights are linked to. Sounds simple enough and I would think an easy enough fix, but he isn't bothered himself, which raises some questions.

However, my first thought would perhaps be an earth issue, but I was hoping someone else might have some thoughts I might be able to look into.

I am slightly hesitant though, I don't want to get something that may cost $$$$ to fix. My previous S60 2.5T was faultless, so I am intrigued by what sounds like a simple headlight replacement causing such a major issue.

Thanks in advance for any help.

[cheshired5]

With the headlights on, will the car start?

[Yobbo]

I'd avoid that like the plague.

[scoobysn7x]

Electrical problems can be a can of worms on these if it's CEL related or one of the modules you could be looking at a lot of cost and or further problems.

If you can categorically say its a short in the headlight or a fault with the earth etc if may be worth a punt, presuming you can get it cheaper than you could break it for. (that way if its not a quick or possible fix you get your money back, other wise I'd walk away).

The fact that the seller has done some trouble shooting and not fixed it would indicate to me its not as simple a fix as they have indicated.