Constant headlight failure

bobforbass · Post by **bobforbass** » 10 Apr 2006, 10:35

Greetings everyone. I'm new to this fourm.

I own a 2002 S60. In November of 2005 the driver side low beam headlight burned out and I was given the message on the dashboard. I had the local repair center that only works on foreign cars replace the bulb. (I live in a small town w/ no Volvo dealership. The closest dealer is more than 100 miles away). The bulb lasted approx two months and burned out again. I took the car back to the repair center and he put another bulb in. Both times the bulbs were aftermarket bulbs. Now, approx. two months later the same low beam bulb has burned out again. I took the car back today to the same repair shop and the owner said he would order a Volvo bulb to see if that fixes the problem.

Has anyone had this issue or know of anyone having this issue? All replies are welcome.

Have a great day.

bobforbass

Viper_7 · Post by **Viper_7** » 10 Apr 2006, 13:06

Bulbs easily fail if not handled correctly.
If handled with bare skin even the smallest amount of grease causes premature failure.

sure bulbs come in different flavours and have different life expectations, two months isn't long though!

vipes

bobforbass · Post by **bobforbass** » 10 Apr 2006, 14:09

Thanks for the reply Viper. When the mechanic replaced the first bulb I was there to watch him. The first thing he told me was to be very careful not to touch the glass w/ your fingers because that will shorten the life of the blub significantly. I do not feel improper handling of the bulb is the culprit.

The new factory bulb is supposed to be here tomorrow and he will install then. My fingers will be crossed for a few months.

I have another general question if you have time to respond:

How important is it that I take the S60 to the dealership and have any software upgrades installed? Everything seems to work great.....except for the bulb issue.....but have not had the car in the dealers garage since April, 2004. Is there a commonly accepted time period that I should have the car checked out by the dealer. I have learned the hard way that this is not an inexpensive decision. My local mechanic says if all is working fine then don't bother.

And, before I close, how do I find out if there IS or ARE new software upgrades?

Again, thank you for your time.

Bobforbass

Viper_7 · Post by **Viper_7** » 11 Apr 2006, 15:53

I agree with your local mechanic. No need for upgrades, and your right...how would you know...not quite like a Windows update!

HOWEVER I will say, that your motor falls into the suspect ETM problems? If non-diesel....
Software upgrades have helped with this issue..but it doesn't make it go away.

Check out the "ETM room" link at the top of this forum.