Volvo Bulb Guide and Cross-Reference Topic is solved

[QuirkySwede]

Over the years, I have this simple guide by Sylvania, plug in your year, model to find the bulbs ... Don't over-think on the bulb issue.

Thank you, cn90. Noted it recommends "1156" for the center brake light (LED), and a 5-watt bulb for the turn signal.
Caveat emptor! Hope printing off the top picture for their owners manual save folks some grief.

Don't think it gets any thought-free-simple than just buying the ECE bulb stamped on its socket (see third picture) since you're already there to find and pull the bad one.

"Wattage" (load), as noted, is dependent on Volts and Amps (V x A = W) and independent of Lumens (light), so matching on a couple factors does not guarantee matching on all. That's one of the reasons for the tables, so folks can see that for themselves.

Bulbs are also a maintenance indicator when looking at a used car as to whether the seller was keeping thing right or just keeping things running. I think we've all seen examples of both.

[jimmy57]

Reading the original post in detail will show what I posted was redundant.

[jpr0204]

This is just an..... AWESOME write-up! Period!

Just another reason why MVS is the BEST Volvo site on the web.

It's all of the people like QuirkySwede who put their heart in to all that do to try and help others learn more about their vehicle and to avoid mass confusion on what should be a realatively simple procedure.

Excellent work sir!

- Joe

[matthew1]

QuirkySwede, question: in your experience, has an exterior bulb gone out and not triggered a bulb message on the dash? I'm talking 850 and newer Volvos. For me, this has never happened.

This guide is now in the Volvo Repair Database forever, and home page for a time.

[QuirkySwede]

QuirkySwede, question: in your experience, has an exterior bulb gone out and not triggered a bulb message on the dash? I'm talking 850 and newer Volvos. For me, this has never happened.

I haven't "experienced" a bulb going out on the S70 yet (and yes the indicator bulb is fine). I've replaced a few because they were going bad though. Noticed the turns were nearly white (flaking paint) and checked others at that time. Don't know how in depth the dealer went doing the recall light work.

As far as the Bulb Failure Module, it depends on how it is designed. So for this one,
larger image
LAMPCONTROL 12V
5KG 005 311-07
VOLVO 9442303
2 x Stoplight 12V/≥21W
1 x LED-Stoplight 12V/ 4W
4 x Taillight 12V/≥ 5W
one could have one of four 8W (e.g. #67, versus the R5W) bulbs go for the tail lights and not get an error because
3 x 8W ≥ 4 x 5W
24W ≥ 20W

For the most common type of bulb failure where the filament breaks (no load, open circuit) the module works well. It will come on when the brakes are applied if one is open, or steady if both are open (L&R). Similar on tail (on if open when tails are on).

But it may not pick up on other types of failure. So if the indicator only lights for open circuit conditions, than a shorted bulb (won't illuminate but has continuity) might not trigger the light. Bulbs failing due to shorting are less common but do happen, like when a bulb is spun in its base. And bulbs not part of the module's circuit won't trip it (license plate lights, IIRC).

[matthew1]

[BTW, Amazon sells them: 2821 bulbs for Volvos]

Andrew sent this in to me via email:

Long story short, I had a hard time finding 2821 bulbs. Both Wal-Mart and Canadian Tire listed the 2821 but neither stock them or could order them. I then went to my brother who works counter at our local Napa. They listed the 2821 but he could not order them from any of his suppliers. He did some research for me and found that Wagner sells them as a BP17097. We ordered a pack and low and behold packaged as the BP17097 were 2821 bulbs. The wagner number also cross refs to a philips number. I have attached some pictures.

I could not find any cross ref numbers to 2821 other than W3W before getting the Wagner part number.

[QuirkySwede]

Long story short, I had a hard time finding 2821 bulbs. Both Wal-Mart and Canadian Tire listed the 2821 but neither stock them or could order them.

Find a place that carries Sylvania or Eiko bulbs like Advance, Autozone, O'Reillys, and so on. Find what's local, check their website, do a search for "[auto parts store name] 2821 bulb", and call first to verify they have them in stock. NAPA generally carries just Wagner, but they can cross it to any Sylvania number.

[matthew1]

Topic updated with fixed tables where possible, and new external tables where necessary.

The forum software is mildly pathetic when it comes to using tables to display data. An update months ago broke some, and those I externalized.

[Jdullwitted]

Update: Went to parts store. Bought correct bulbs. Made sure to replace both right and left with same bulb. It's not the bulbs.

Previously: I give up. I just do not understand all the variations of listings for a 21/5w 32/3CP BAY 15d bulb. If I were able to identify it, I could buy it and see if the reason for my one brake light malfunction is due to an incorrect bulb. I read through all the material and it is incredibly valuable, but which bulb?