No low beams

clunkerjunker · Post by **clunkerjunker** » 24 Jan 2011, 04:55

I have a 2004 S60 n/a w/141,000 miles that I just bought. The daytime running lights work fine and I have no error messages. Both low beams seem no existent(they are very dim and seem more like daytime running light), brights are good. I have checked both fuses under the hood and driver side dash area visually. I even swapped the fuses out just to be sure. I do not have a test light but plan on buying one to check all fuse. It's my understanding with Volvo's another fuse may cause the problem?

I have not pulled down the CEM do check the shunt. It is my understanding that the shunt is most likely the culprit?

I have not changed the bulbs yet. I figured I would call the Volvo dealer Monday to see if they have the shunt in stock or order me one since the shunt is pretty cheap ($11 I've read).

If the shunt doesn't fix it, then I'll buy bulbs and check the voltage to the bulbs.

My thinking is for both bulbs to be out it's most likely a common factor like the shunt.

Does my plan of action sound okay? Am I missing something?

RaymanSean · Post by **RaymanSean** » 24 Jan 2011, 06:37

I am a bit confused, perhaps because you have an S. However on my 2001 V70 XC the daytime running lights are the low beams. I wouls check the aiming of the lights first.

Post by **jimmy57** » 24 Jan 2011, 08:02

OK, lost another post...here it is again;
The shunts are lower on the list of things to do.
Make sure bulbs are installed correctly and are the right bulbs. There are some of the twist in bulbs that can be substituted and they strike the reflector wrong and the light output is low and not a good pattern, same for a bulb not twisted in with all tabs in their grooves. (my memory might fail me but I think s60 of that year has the twist in bulb and not the metal spring wire retained H series)
Make sure the bulb connector has not burned.
Then if those pass, check voltage at bulb.
If voltage is low then maybe it's a shunt problem. Fuses would not give you low voltage.

clunkerjunker · Post by **clunkerjunker** » 24 Jan 2011, 11:20

I pulled the cover off and noticed that the connectors were simple spade connectors. The wires visually looked okay. I can't find my multimeter so that hampered any progress. I did notice that there are two holes on the low beam, one for the low beam and the other had no bulb installed. Should there be two bulbs?

I called the dealer, the shunt is $9.

What voltage should I read at the bulb? 12.5v?

Post by **jimmy57** » 24 Jan 2011, 12:43

The other hole is probably for a park lamp for some markets.
The voltage on the bulbs should be very close to the voltage you read between ground and the pwer lug behind electrical box in eng bay.
for new S40/V50 and for anything else 2005 and later the bulbs are limited to 13V regardless of charging voltage.

clunkerjunker · Post by **clunkerjunker** » 25 Jan 2011, 11:13

I found my multimeter. The voltage at the bulb without the car running but with the switch in the #2 position was 10.4v. Voltage at the fuse was 11.3v.

FWIW, this is with cheapo Harbor Freight multimeter.

I'm now leaning to the bulbs being weak. I've never experienced weak bulbs in any car I've ever owned. This is my first Volvo.

I'm thinking I may upgrade to HIDs from DDM Tuning.

What now?