Headlight failure

Gonzobard · Jun 7th, 2020, 18:42

My off-side dipped headlight has failed. Bulb and fuse are fine, I assume it is a wiring issue. I can’t see anything obvious. Any suggestions? Thanks.

turboboy · Jun 8th, 2020, 08:39

Do you have any form of tester?

My first check would be to see if there is voltage at the bulb holder terminal. If there is then check that the bulb holder has a good earth.

If no voltage then check to see if there is voltage at the fuse. Both in to and out of the fuse.

Luxobarge · Jun 8th, 2020, 09:37

As above - totally agree. If you don't have a multimeter, they can be bought very cheaply, and are an extremely useful thing to have around the house.

Cookeh · Jun 8th, 2020, 11:19

Known issues with the wiring harness degrading, especially towards the bulb side. Gives shorting and grounding issues, which stops the light working.

Gonzobard · Jun 8th, 2020, 18:16

Thanks gents. I have recently bought a multimeter, this sounds like my first opportunity to use it. I’ll take a look at the holder and fuse box and see what I can find. Cheers.

SteveSarre · Jun 15th, 2020, 08:15

The back of the headlight switch can separate from the front, which might cause missed connections.

Does the switch feel floppy?

I haven't done it for a while, but if you can get the switch out of the dash, you will see what I mean. If possible you want to reach behind and push it out, rather than pry it out from the drivers seat.

HTH
Steve

Gonzobard · Jun 17th, 2020, 07:04

Thanks Steve, I’ll give the switch a tweak. It is only one light that doesn’t work, so I had assumed it was local to the lamp, rather than at the switch.

Jun 7th, 2020, 18:42	#1
Gonzobard Member Last Online: Oct 6th, 2023 07:12 Join Date: Mar 2019 Location: Reading	Headlight failure My off-side dipped headlight has failed. Bulb and fuse are fine, I assume it is a wiring issue. I can’t see anything obvious. Any suggestions? Thanks.

Jun 8th, 2020, 08:39	#2
turboboy Master Member Last Online: Dec 15th, 2023 08:44 Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Twickenham	Headlights Do you have any form of tester? My first check would be to see if there is voltage at the bulb holder terminal. If there is then check that the bulb holder has a good earth. If no voltage then check to see if there is voltage at the fuse. Both in to and out of the fuse. __________________ Turboboy Current: 1998 Volvo V70 2.3 T5 Auto. Previous: 2000 Volvo V40 T4; 1981/2 265 (x2); 1988 740 Turbo Estate.

Jun 8th, 2020, 09:37	#3
Luxobarge Premier Member Last Online: Yesterday 09:37 Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Horne (Nr. Horley)	As above - totally agree. If you don't have a multimeter, they can be bought very cheaply, and are an extremely useful thing to have around the house. __________________ Some people are like Slinkies, they serve no useful purpose but they still bring a smile to your face when you push them downstairs.

Jun 8th, 2020, 11:19	#4
Cookeh Premier Member Last Online: Sep 14th, 2022 17:04 Join Date: Jan 2018 Location: Derbyshire	Known issues with the wiring harness degrading, especially towards the bulb side. Gives shorting and grounding issues, which stops the light working. __________________ 1995 Volvo 850 T5 Estate (Manual)

Jun 15th, 2020, 08:15	#6
SteveSarre Premier Member Last Online: Yesterday 22:08 Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: London/West Country	The back of the headlight switch can separate from the front, which might cause missed connections. Does the switch feel floppy? I haven't done it for a while, but if you can get the switch out of the dash, you will see what I mean. If possible you want to reach behind and push it out, rather than pry it out from the drivers seat. HTH Steve __________________ V70 2.5 Turbo AWD Man. 1999 Red V70 2.5 10V Auto 1998 Green C70 T 20V Auto Conv. 2001 Blue, C70 T5 Auto Conv. 2000 Blue V70 2.5 Turbo AWD Auto 1998 Green, V70 2.5 10V Auto BiFuel 1999 Red (scrapped) V70 20v Auto 1999 Green (scrapped)

Jun 8th, 2020, 18:16	#5
Gonzobard Member Last Online: Oct 6th, 2023 07:12 Join Date: Mar 2019 Location: Reading	Thanks gents. I have recently bought a multimeter, this sounds like my first opportunity to use it. I’ll take a look at the holder and fuse box and see what I can find. Cheers.

Jun 17th, 2020, 07:04	#7
Gonzobard Member Last Online: Oct 6th, 2023 07:12 Join Date: Mar 2019 Location: Reading	Thanks Steve, I’ll give the switch a tweak. It is only one light that doesn’t work, so I had assumed it was local to the lamp, rather than at the switch.

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