1998 S70 Dim headlight on passenger side

steve4808 · Post by **steve4808** » 16 May 2014, 17:35

On my '98 S70 nonturbo with around 219k my passenger side lowbeam headlight is dimmer than the otherside.It was noticed by the state inspector on an annual inspection.Anyone out there have any thoghts as to why.I would greatly appreciate the help.

Post by **Ozark Lee** » 16 May 2014, 17:54

Check the wiring harness inside of the headlight assembly. You can see it / inspect it by removing the rear cover.

The '98s are notorious for burning up the harness.

...Lee

steve4808 · Post by **steve4808** » 16 May 2014, 20:02

That's what I was leaning towards Lee.Thank you for the response.I'll check it tomorrow. Can they be rewired (repaired) or do I need to buy a new harness??

Post by **Ozark Lee** » 16 May 2014, 22:46

The part that burns up is the part that is inside the headlight. It is its own part and it snaps into place where the external harness plugs in. The only chore is getting the connector at the back of the headlight released. I used a Dremel tool to basically carve the old connector out but once it is out the replacement just snaps right in. If you want to remove the headlight assembly you might be able to get the old one out without needing to cut it up but that seemed like more effort and I had no intention of saving the old one anyway.

...Lee

steve4808 · Post by **steve4808** » 17 May 2014, 09:49

Lee,
Looks like a $7.00 can of paint is going to cure the problem.I removed the light housing from the vehicle.Opened it up to find most of the reflectiveness gone.I guess after 16years it just had enough!! Sprayed the inside of both housings with Chrome paint and can't wait 'til sundown to see if in fact the problem is cured. Harnesses are not in the best of shape but, they'
ll do gor now. At least until I can order some new ones. Thanks again for your input.

steve4808 · Post by **steve4808** » 17 May 2014, 09:50

they'llo do for now.Stupid fat fingers!!