|
S40 / V40 '96-'04 General Forum for the Volvo S40 and V40 (Classic) Series from 1995-2004. |
Information |
|
S40 tail lights keep blowingViews : 1645 Replies : 24Users Viewing This Thread : |
|
Thread Tools | Display Modes |
Feb 17th, 2020, 23:12 | #1 |
Master Member
Last Online: Today 01:24
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: Stroud
|
S40 tail lights keep blowing
Hi, got an odd problem, tail lights keep blowing one by one, tried cheap bulbs, expensive bulbs and genuine bulbs to no avail. Sometimes they last a day, sometimes a month. Holders and plugs free of corrosion, no sign of water ingress, none of the side markers or number plate lights blow. They dont blow in any particular order. What could it be?
|
Feb 18th, 2020, 03:43 | #2 |
Premier Member
Last Online: Yesterday 22:49
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Lakenheath
|
Have you physically tested any of the supposedly blown bulbs Tom?
Is it always the same side, is it one at a time or both together or what?
__________________
Cheers Dave Next Door to Top-Gun with a Honda CR-V & S Type Jag Volvo gone but not forgotten........ |
The Following User Says Thank You to Laird Scooby For This Useful Post: |
Feb 18th, 2020, 14:47 | #3 |
Premier Member
Last Online: May 18th, 2024 07:43
Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: Nottingham
|
Laird Scooby suggests good checks.
Also, have you had the car long and if so is this problem new or has it happened before? I ask because a previous owner may have done something 'odd' with the wiring to resolve some issue on the cheap (eg spliced from one side to the other) and you may now be left with that to deal with.
__________________
Now: 04 reg V70 2.4 SE 2.4 auto 177k Then: Volvo, Saab, BMW, MB, Ford, Vx, Opel, Fiat, Rover, Porsche, Alfa, Austin, Renault, etc |
The Following User Says Thank You to CharlesStevenson For This Useful Post: |
Feb 18th, 2020, 16:38 | #4 | |
Experienced Member
Last Online: Yesterday 23:51
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: L/H side
|
Quote:
The standard bulbs should last several years of daily use . if you use cheap poor quality bulbs you will be forever changing them as there are 4 . they all go at random intervals , you might be changing one or another every month and it gives the false impression that they all go every month . Good job you are noticing it ! Every single neglected old S/V40 I see now has at least 2 bulbs failed at the rear !
__________________
My comments are only based on my opinions and vast experience . |
|
Feb 18th, 2020, 16:54 | #5 |
VOC Member
Last Online: Yesterday 20:22
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Northampton
|
What he said ^^^^^^^^
__________________
2001 V40 2.0lt Sport Lux - Daily Driver. 178k miles. 2003 C70 2.4 GT Convertible - Garage Queen. 67k miles. http://www.neptuno6benagil.com |
Feb 18th, 2020, 21:38 | #6 |
Senior Member
Last Online: Nov 6th, 2022 16:57
Join Date: Mar 2019
Location: Nottingham
|
I also see S/V40s with several tail lights out, annoying as blown bulbs are a pet hate of mine!
Replaced all mine with decent ones but also took the time to replace a bulb holder that was knackered. As above, if still no joy double check someone's not done something odd to the wiring, would be my bet...
__________________
Present: 2002 C70 2.0T, 2003 Saab 9-5 3.0 V6 TiD Past: 2002 S40 1.9D, 2002 S40 2.0T, 2004 S40 1.8, 2002 & 2004 V40 1.9D, 2006 Saab 9-5 2.3t Various other French and Italian boxes |
The Following User Says Thank You to P156KWJ For This Useful Post: |
Feb 18th, 2020, 21:55 | #7 |
Premier Member
Last Online: Yesterday 22:49
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Lakenheath
|
That was my line of thought when i queried if the bulbs really had blown.
Something in the back of my mind says some x40s have Valeo alternators, i don't know why but if so, it's worth checking the output as they have a habit of suddenly increasing to about 17-18V for no apparent reason and causing bulbs to blow, strangely on the back more than the front. Check out Pug/Cit and some Renault models next time you're all out and about to see how many have blown brake and/or tail lights.
__________________
Cheers Dave Next Door to Top-Gun with a Honda CR-V & S Type Jag Volvo gone but not forgotten........ |
Feb 19th, 2020, 09:39 | #8 | |
Senior Member
Last Online: Nov 6th, 2022 16:57
Join Date: Mar 2019
Location: Nottingham
|
Quote:
Ford Transits seem to eat high level brake lights but not sure if that's just crap bulbs...
__________________
Present: 2002 C70 2.0T, 2003 Saab 9-5 3.0 V6 TiD Past: 2002 S40 1.9D, 2002 S40 2.0T, 2004 S40 1.8, 2002 & 2004 V40 1.9D, 2006 Saab 9-5 2.3t Various other French and Italian boxes |
|
The Following User Says Thank You to P156KWJ For This Useful Post: |
Feb 19th, 2020, 10:11 | #9 | |
Premier Member
Last Online: Yesterday 22:49
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Lakenheath
|
Quote:
As for the Transits, the high level brake lights are mounted on the rear doors aren't they? If so, imagine how many times those doors get slammed each day, each slam causing trauma to the filaments...................
__________________
Cheers Dave Next Door to Top-Gun with a Honda CR-V & S Type Jag Volvo gone but not forgotten........ |
|
Feb 19th, 2020, 11:38 | #10 | |
Premier Member
Last Online: Yesterday 22:07
Join Date: Mar 2017
Location: Manchester
|
Quote:
|
|
The Following User Says Thank You to Simmy For This Useful Post: |
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests) | |
|
|