Removing headlight lenses for cleaning

hodge · Post by **hodge** » 08 Dec 2009, 17:50

I want to clean the inside of the headlight lenses on my 2004 S80 Volvo.
Can anyone tell me where I can get a front grill diagram so that I can pull the headlight lenses.

Post by **billofdurham** » 10 Dec 2009, 12:02

Welcome to Matthew's Volvo Site.

According to Volvo Aftersales Diagnostics and Information System (VADIS):

for the US market the lens cannot be replaced separately. The entire headlamp insert must be replaced instead.

This would lead me to believe that you can't separate the lens from the rest of the lamp in the US.

Bill.

Post by **mvsuzr** » 18 Dec 2009, 22:27

Are you getting condensation inside?

There's some posts on that on this forum. There are some replacement gaskets for the lamp covers that reduce this. I believe this is a dealer part. As far as removing the light assemblies, everything I've come across says the bumper has to be removed. Haven't tried it myself, just living with it for now.

When the condensate dries most of the streaking goes away, but it still isn't a pretty sight.

Thought about removing the light bulbs and trying to get at it this way. (small rag and some mechanical fingers?)

Post by **billofdurham** » 19 Dec 2009, 12:33

Two ways to tackle condensation in the headlights:

1. Remove the bulb and blow warm air into the headlight with a hair dryer.

2. Dangle a tea bag by its string through the bulb hole. Make sure it doesn't rest on the reflector. Condensation will disappear. Remove the tea bag before it gets too wet and drips on the reflector.

Both of these will clear the condensation but won't cure the problem. Somewhere there is a small hole in a seal or O ring which allows the moisture in. Until you find this you will have a recurring problem. Start with the seals on the bulb holder. Check for damage and replace if suspect. I have heard of owners who have run a clear silicone bead around the join between the lens and the reflector.

Bill.

Post by **mvsuzr** » 20 Dec 2009, 20:25

Cool idea with the tea bag. I was thinking about silica gel packs but was was concerned about leaving them inside.

The bad thing about that is, it probably ruins a good cup of tea...

I found this post about the replacement seals for the light bulbs:
https://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/forums ... headlights

Hope this helps.

Post by **billofdurham** » 22 Dec 2009, 12:14

I was thinking about silica gel packs but was was concerned about leaving them inside

You could attach a thin string and dangle them like the tea bag. That way you wouldn't spoil your cup of tea.

A friend of mine had condensation in the headlights of his Datsun Cedric. He tried the tea bags and it cleared. After that, as winter approached, he put the tea bags in and never suffered condensation again. He always joked that if he was stuck in a snowdrift he would be able to make a cup of tea.....well, I think he was joking.

Bill.