S40 (New) Electrics : - After Market Xenon bulbs killing Wiper motor

tuxx · Mar 13th, 2015, 10:41

Hey there

Just to let you know, I had fitted after market Xenons in my headlights. Then, about 3 weeks later (I didn't make the connection immediately!) the wipers came on, and wouldn't stop, even when I removed the keys. Then they stopped and wouldn't start again. Replacing the motor from a breaker for €50 solved the problem. It happened again twice, so I removed the Xenon's, and is hasn't happened again......

Sasha94 · Mar 13th, 2015, 11:11

It's a common fault this and another warning of the risk if you're going to do it. I have 35w 4300k H7R bulbs in my S40 with digital slimline ballasts and they have been fine for the last 7 months but I could be a lucky one

Welton · Mar 13th, 2015, 11:13

Three wiper motors!

If you search on here there's a thread showing an alternative method of earthing the HID's separately so they don't affect the wiper motor.

I believe the factory earth for the headlights finishes at the suspension turret which also shares an earthing point with the wipers. The HID's produce some sort of electrical interference affecting the sensitive electronics inside the motor. Or something.

TEZ-1 · Mar 13th, 2015, 15:52

Mine have been fitted for 18 months with no issues,however I did run a separate earth wire from the ballasts to the strut top just to be safe.

tuxx · Mar 13th, 2015, 16:03

Yep, it was 35w I had installed, but didn't use a different earth. I think, just as a precaution, I am going to put them into storage (in the bin!!)
I assume everyone has issues with the lights being bloomin' terrible in the S40.
I have tried lots of different bulbs, and have some 35W H8 (I'll fudge them in somehow) GP Thunder V2 7500K 8500K Platinum White bulbs coming over from the states, so I will let you know how I get on with them.......

Welton · Mar 13th, 2015, 16:46

Try my 'modification' to the standard headlamps. I'd say my headlamps are very good now.

http://www.volvoforums.org.uk/showthread.php?t=222031

Fat Magpie · Mar 13th, 2015, 16:58

I have heard of this before thou it affect an Audi and it damaged the wiper control system. Good point on moving the earth input to the ballast, if i may also suggest go to Maplins and get some capacitors, 63 micro Farad should do and connect them across the ballast 12 v input, these will have a smoothing effect killing any electrical noise the ballasts make.
They cost pence but be careful connecting them as the have a plus and minus, get it wrong and they go pop.

scooby · Mar 13th, 2015, 20:29

had mine in about 3 years now no problems did you earth them

Mar 13th, 2015, 10:41	#1
tuxx New Member Last Online: Oct 25th, 2015 00:26 Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: Ballylongford	After Market Xenon bulbs killing Wiper motor Hey there Just to let you know, I had fitted after market Xenons in my headlights. Then, about 3 weeks later (I didn't make the connection immediately!) the wipers came on, and wouldn't stop, even when I removed the keys. Then they stopped and wouldn't start again. Replacing the motor from a breaker for €50 solved the problem. It happened again twice, so I removed the Xenon's, and is hasn't happened again......

Mar 13th, 2015, 11:11	#2
Sasha94 The Dumb Blonde Last Online: Mar 17th, 2019 10:58 Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: Bangor, Gwynedd	It's a common fault this and another warning of the risk if you're going to do it. I have 35w 4300k H7R bulbs in my S40 with digital slimline ballasts and they have been fine for the last 7 months but I could be a lucky one __________________ 2014 Skoda Octavia vRS with loads of toys! ex 2012 V50 1.6D DRIVe SE Lux, 2008 XC70 D5 AWD SE Geartronic, 2004 S40 2.0D SE, 2008 C30 1.6 S & 2000 C70 2.0T

Mar 13th, 2015, 11:13	#3
Welton Premier Member Last Online: Sep 14th, 2021 17:03 Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Market Harborough	Three wiper motors! If you search on here there's a thread showing an alternative method of earthing the HID's separately so they don't affect the wiper motor. I believe the factory earth for the headlights finishes at the suspension turret which also shares an earthing point with the wipers. The HID's produce some sort of electrical interference affecting the sensitive electronics inside the motor. Or something. __________________ 2005 S40 T5 SE - Manual. Bilstein B4's. (For Sale) 2010 Citroen C4 1.6 HDi (bizarre Gearbox model). 2010 Renault Twingo (refreshingly simple) 2018 Infiniti Q30 1.6T Business Executive (what's this button do?)

Mar 13th, 2015, 16:46	#6
Welton Premier Member Last Online: Sep 14th, 2021 17:03 Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Market Harborough	Try my 'modification' to the standard headlamps. I'd say my headlamps are very good now. http://www.volvoforums.org.uk/showthread.php?t=222031 __________________ 2005 S40 T5 SE - Manual. Bilstein B4's. (For Sale) 2010 Citroen C4 1.6 HDi (bizarre Gearbox model). 2010 Renault Twingo (refreshingly simple) 2018 Infiniti Q30 1.6T Business Executive (what's this button do?)

Mar 13th, 2015, 15:52	#4
TEZ-1 Senior Member Last Online: May 11th, 2017 15:34 Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: lincolnshire	Mine have been fitted for 18 months with no issues,however I did run a separate earth wire from the ballasts to the strut top just to be safe.

Mar 13th, 2015, 16:03	#5
tuxx New Member Last Online: Oct 25th, 2015 00:26 Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: Ballylongford	Yep, it was 35w I had installed, but didn't use a different earth. I think, just as a precaution, I am going to put them into storage (in the bin!!) I assume everyone has issues with the lights being bloomin' terrible in the S40. I have tried lots of different bulbs, and have some 35W H8 (I'll fudge them in somehow) GP Thunder V2 7500K 8500K Platinum White bulbs coming over from the states, so I will let you know how I get on with them.......

Mar 13th, 2015, 16:58	#7
Fat Magpie Senior Member Last Online: Apr 18th, 2024 11:47 Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: Belfast and London	I have heard of this before thou it affect an Audi and it damaged the wiper control system. Good point on moving the earth input to the ballast, if i may also suggest go to Maplins and get some capacitors, 63 micro Farad should do and connect them across the ballast 12 v input, these will have a smoothing effect killing any electrical noise the ballasts make. They cost pence but be careful connecting them as the have a plus and minus, get it wrong and they go pop.

Mar 13th, 2015, 20:29	#8
scooby Member Last Online: Aug 9th, 2022 19:36 Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: birmingham	had mine in about 3 years now no problems did you earth them

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