V40 T4 - Problems heater blower/self levelling HIDs

[T4R]

I bought one of the first phase II V40s in the country in July 2000, and being a salesmans dream, I specified almost all available options. The car has served me well, having covered almost 120K and still going strong-ish. I do have a couple of problems, however. The first is the heater blower motor doesn't blow or motor any more. I've checked the fuse in the drivers footwell and it's OK, so it's either the motor or possibly the switch that has gone I presume. Could it be anything else ?

Additionally, I specified HID headlights when I bought the car. They are meant to have a self leveling function, which I believe is a legal requirement. Since he problem with the blower started, the dipped beam concentrates light just in front of the car, rather than the nice even spread it had before. Could these two issues be linked and/or is there an easy we to diagnose or resolve them, other than buying a new Volvo ?

I'd very much appreciate any advice before I go and **** anything up.

Many thanks in advance.

[pyaap]

Sorry to hear of the problems you're experiencing. The heater / blower issue is quite common and generally the result of one of two things:

1. The blower rheostat has failed. This is a cheap part and is easy to replace; its located where the blower is, behind the trim just above the passenger footwell. To me, the symptoms you describe point to this.

2. The ECC panel is itself on its way out (failure of the electronics or switches on the integrated panel). This is very expensive as you need a replacement panel which costs in excess of £400.

As for the HIDS, I doubt is a problem with the level sensor, which is located on the nearside cross member on the rear axle. If the headlamp beam is actually concentrated in a patch just in front of the bumper, rather than lighting up the area in front of the car, its more likely that the reflector has "fallen off" the ratchet mechanism for headlamp adjustment. Locate the adjustment port on the top of the headlamp; use an allen key of the correct size and turn it anti-clockwise until you hear and feel a "click". Then turn the key clockwise and the beam will start to move upwards. Continue the adjustment until the beam height is suitable.

If what I've said does not make sense, if you're ever passing the M4/M5 junction, I would gladly have a look and see if we can sort it out.

[T4R]

Thanks very much for your help. I'm going along with the assumption that it's the resistor that's at fault, although I'm struggling to identify it currently. Could you possibly let me know how it is marked, if at all ? The replacement from Volvo for the whole unit is something over £210 + VAT, money I'd rather spend towards new tyres and high performance brake pads.

The problem with the HIDs has cured itself and it's no longer creating a laser like dot on the tarmc immediately in front of the car.

Thank you again for your help.