V90 Rear Light Repair

[Grizzly Gra]

After the rear light starts to malfunction, with signs of damp behind the lens, is there any way to dry and repair the unit?

The light clearly still works as it always comes on for the lock & unlock indication and normally works ok for a while when first driving.

Hoping it doesn't always mean a replacement is needed.

[Clan]

Originally Posted by Grizzly Gra

After the rear light starts to malfunction, with signs of damp behind the lens, is there any way to dry and repair the unit?

The light clearly still works as it always comes on for the lock & unlock indication and normally works ok for a while when first driving.

Hoping it doesn't always mean a replacement is needed.

Once water gets in it corrodes the circuit boards of which there are quite a few, you cant get access to them either. There are electronic boards as well as basic boards which the actual LED's are soldered to. If you can dry it out and more importantly seal it up you might get a bit more life out of it , but it will fail again some day in the future.

[mannyo1221]

I Never succeeded in a repair for mine, eventually mine had an inch of water in the bottom and was completely dead. Ended up at dealer and replacement installed.

[namfreak]

I've just experienced this myself -"Rear position light malfunction" warning light on dash, along with an expensive dealer replacement

Then within a month the other side goes as well

I retained both of the faulty units and could pour a small cup of water out of them

Poor design wouldn't you say to hold so much water?

[GrahamBrown1]

I think it’s scandalous really, a for the cost of the replacements and b the fact that the issue is even an issue. The LED lights on the back of my 2014 S80 are 10 years old and are still perfect. Why do manufacturers do this, cheapen everything off and charge you more for it! I mean Volvo have been making cars for some time and yet cant seal a back light up properly and expect the customer to foot the bill.

I have just read a comment on Volvos social media directly at Volvo regarding the disgust of having to fork out £1200 on a replacement headlamp due to a dip beam failure. The £1200 included a contribution. Original price £2400! For one lamp!! It just out of its 3 year warranty. When the other one goes you be paying the full amount. It’s just all wrong!

[Clan]

Originally Posted by namfreak

I've just experienced this myself -"Rear position light malfunction" warning light on dash, along with an expensive dealer replacement

Then within a month the other side goes as well

I retained both of the faulty units and could pour a small cup of water out of them

Poor design wouldn't you say to hold so much water?

Where exactly is the water getting in? That's the key to this problem... even a crack will let water in...

[Lancee]

At the risk of drifting off piste, what was that wrong with the old 12v light bulbs ?

Nothing is free, and now many are complaining about being dazzled by some of the new lighting to the point of giving up night driving. Utter madness ! Cost of living crisis ?!!!!!

[Riggermortis]

Hi all.

This may / maybe not of some help.

I had the same problem, left first and later the right.

I fixed them so far. But it’s a bit of a drastic fix,
First the lights will have to come off, great fun that is 🤐

Re seal them with clear sealant all round.
Then drill a 1/2 “ hole into the bottom, Don’t be ham fisted when drilling as there’s a circuit board 10 mm in, not a good idea to hit that.☹️ drain water out if any, let dry, then cover hole with a porous material, has to let the water seep out, I used felt, glue round the edges and stick it on .


Then the good fun of putting it back on the car, hopefully for the last time,, well until you need to change indicator bulbs???


As I said “ drastic “ but it works lefts been done about 14 months- right 3 months…no sign of water buildup, some moisture on lens sometimes. That’s all


So. If you’re brave enough go ahead, or if you’re loaded then let the dealer sort it at xxxxxx pounds. 💰💰💰💰😇

Good luck to all

Rigger xx