V40: Headlights issue? Switch/Relay/Bulbs?

[wolverine2k]

Hi all,

New to the forum and the second time in my life that I am owning a Volvo (first one was a 440 Turbo over a decade ago as my first car and that car taught me a lot about cars - constantly having to fix it myself!)

Picked up a 1996 2.0 V40 today for a very cheap price but it had one issue... the headlights and I'm hoping someone know's what the issue is!

When the headlight switch is to the off 9 o'clock position and the ignition is on; the sidelights are on.

When I move the switch to the 12 o'clock position; no lights are on at all!

When I move the switch to the 3 o'clock position; again only the sidelights work! No main beams at all!

I can put the full beams on so the bulbs seems to be working. Only can't drive around with full beams or such dim sidelights!

So my question is this... should I look into replacing the switch, the relay or maybe the wrong bulbs were used?

Any help would be appreciated!

I've had a search around on the forum but as always; I am useless at searching forums!

[wolverine2k]

Just want to add that the dash lights are all fine and every thing else works perfectly... headlight adjustment works fine too as do the fog lights... thinking the switch and hopefully not the CEM

[gatos]

Where abouts London are you? You can try a switch I have and also a spare CEM. They are both from a Phase 2, so I am not sure if they 100% compatible.

If you are anywhere near East London/Essex A13/A406 give me a shout

To add. Call me stupid, But did the 1996 havea CEM? or just some simpler relays?

[wolverine2k]

Originally Posted by gatos

Where abouts London are you? You can try a switch I have and also a spare CEM. They are both from a Phase 2, so I am not sure if they 100% compatible.

If you are anywhere near East London/Essex A13/A406 give me a shout

To add. Call me stupid, But did the 1996 havea CEM? or just some simpler relays?

I am actually 5 mins from the A12/A406 so not far from the A13 at all! I'll take the dash cover off tonight and let you know if there is a CEM there!

Thanks!

[gatos]

Originally Posted by wolverine2k

I am actually 5 mins from the A12/A406 so not far from the A13 at all! I'll take the dash cover off tonight and let you know if there is a CEM there!

Thanks!

Had a quick look on Vadis and the CEM seems to be for post 2000 cars. There is a headlamp relay in your engine fuse box (number 7). See attached image.

In case you decide to pop over, anytime after 7ish is fine. I live In Upney, Barking. I can pm you address if it comes to it

[wolverine2k]

Originally Posted by gatos

Had a quick look on Vadis and the CEM seems to be for post 2000 cars. There is a headlamp relay in your engine fuse box (number 7). See attached image.

In case you decide to pop over, anytime after 7ish is fine. I live In Upney, Barking. I can pm you address if it comes to it

Thanks!! I'll have to get hold of this Vadis stuff... usually I've been sticking to Audi's mainly as I've got Vagcom and all the CD manuals. Haven't got a clue with Volvo's!

I'll try replacing the relay and see what happens (sweet - just bought one for £8.00 brand new on eBay!). If nothing, then I guess I'll try replacing the switch. If still nothing, then I guess I'll have to trace the wires to the headlights!

This brings back memories of my 440 - didn't realise other Volvo's had elec problems too! Just hope I won't have to start hot wiring the car from the engine bay directly on the starter motor soon like I had to on the 440!!