Headlights setting observation

[lordlichfield]

I think this is a bit of an oversight on Volvo's part but it looks like you can only operate high beam if you manually switch the headlamps on i.e. when the lights do not come on automatically when you switch on the car.

If you try and operate the high beam flasher it doesn't lock in place with the lights on auto-setting which is a bit annoying if you're travelling at night down a poorly lit road and have to keep holding the high beam on. Only works with headlamps switched on manually.

Try it.

[bobdabuilda]

It's not an oversight, just the way it is. I agree it is annoying though as you just have to remember to switch the headlights on manually when they are already on from the usual DLR setting. Personally I think I will get the DLRs turned off so that I always remember to turn on the lights at night and thereby negating the problem.

[Ron_XC90]

Correct.... benefit is that you cannot (by accident) leave them in high beam during daytime driving.
I think on other (previous) models there was a difference between DLR's and main beam, but not on the XC

[adonis kebab]

On the flip side though it doesn't stay on when you flash someone. I find that more irratating and i'm guessing so do the other road users who are getting blinded!

[XCF]

My dealer said he recommends leaving the lights in the "on" position all the time. Lights still turn on / off with ignition ( same as in off or 0 position) but the main beam stays on as expected when you pull back. If you need a reminder that your main beam is on you have the blue light in the dashpod !

[400-ascona]

I always leave the lights switched on. I did on my old V70 too. Bit of a pain when I get in the other cars, which need you to remember to turn them on or off as I invariably forget!

[Pinstripe]

Agreed, stupid design.

Originally Posted by XCF

My dealer said he recommends leaving the lights in the "on" position all the time.

With halogen bulbs, that would be fine; but this would burn the Xenon's out faster, and if a ballast goes, it's not so cheap to fix!

[indiebands]

Originally Posted by Pinstripe

Agreed, stupid design.

With halogen bulbs, that would be fine; but this would burn the Xenon's out faster, and if a ballast goes, it's not so cheap to fix!

Interesting point. So the day running lights are not the Xenon headlights? Czech law requires lights during the day, but I have seen several cars that don't use the full complement of headlights.

[XCF]

Originally Posted by indiebands

Interesting point. So the day running lights are not the Xenon headlights? Czech law requires lights during the day, but I have seen several cars that don't use the full complement of headlights.

Nothing so fancy in the XC90 - standard set up (for UK anyway) is that what Volvo term DRL actually means the dipped headlights (so either halogen or xenon depending on what you have) are programmed to come on and off with the ignition, regardless of whether the light switch is in the Off (O) or fully On position. The only difference is that in the off position you can't enable main beam - just the flash element.

The mid position actually leaves the side (parking) lights on permanently or until your battery runs out ). You get no warning when exiting the car that the lights are still on if you use this setting on the light switch.


IMO it's a mad design. The switch (see image) is at odds with what Volvo actually want to do when they force the lights to be on automatically (why have a switch that shows a position marked 0 when it's not designed to mean off, and a switch marked up for side lights that is really for parking lights).

If you have active bending lights the car uses the daylight sensor ( that dims the radio dash amongst other things) to disable the active element (to save wear and tear on the motors) , but the other posters comments about the shortfall in life for the ballasts and xenon bulbs is a valid point.


I'd prefer to run mine on side lights - but I can't as you then have to remember to turn the dipped lights off every time you get in , and then turn off the parking lights when you get out. Dealer told me - don't worry - the xenon bulbs are covered by the 3 year warranty, but I guess they will last 3 years + and then be at my cost, though I suspect the real cost is the ballast rather than the bulb.

Only option I can see is to have the dealer disable the daylight running via a SW download...(cue claims of invalid insurance etc etc )

[owenfackrell]

The Ballest on the xenon lights won't wear out any fast due to use. Not only that but due to how xenon lamps work they last many many hours longer than normal lamps as they are not burning the filament but strike an arc. Hence they are know as gas discharge lamps. They also have the benefit of consuming less power than conventional lamps.