Intermittent loss of one low beam

jh_on_the_cape · Post by **jh_on_the_cape** » 15 Mar 2017, 12:14

The driver side low beam goes out sometimes, it's not the bulb. I removed the bulb and applied some bulb grease and reinstalled and it was good for about a month. It did flicker on as I went over some bumps. For now, I will reinstall with some fresh grease, but is there a long term solution for me? I already replaced the passenger side entire light assembly, and should have done them both when the front end was off, but... I didn't. Any hints besides replacing the assembly?

Thanks!

Post by **mayorpeoria** » 18 Mar 2017, 21:05

Try replacing the lamp (bulb) first, flickering over bumps tells me it's a bad lamp.

Post by **jimmy57** » 18 Mar 2017, 21:47

This is on the 2006 V70 in profile?
THE BIGGEST issue on these is the bulb connector. Enough of an issue for Volvo to have an improved version.
It is an industry problem with lots of different makes with that issue. Most auto stores carry them. Rock Auto has them.
In some cases the bulb socket will show overheat evidence but on many I've fixed there was no telltale evidence of the issue. If you unplug the connector from bulb and use a slender metal pick to push the sides of terminal inward you should get temporary fix but usually it returns as the metal has heated and lost it s temper. The good replacements have a double thickness terminal where the second layer is spring steel to give the terminal more grasping tension on the blades of the bulb.

jh_on_the_cape · Post by **jh_on_the_cape** » 19 Mar 2017, 05:27

Yes on the 2006 v70. I will try bending the connectors in. When you say the bulb connector you mean the socket the bulb fits in with wires coming out, that's it?

Post by **chrism** » 19 Mar 2017, 07:31

While you're reworking the socket contacts, why not go ahead and swap LH bulb with RH. Just in case the problem ends up being the bulb, you will see the problem move to the other side of the car.

jh_on_the_cape · Post by **jh_on_the_cape** » 20 Mar 2017, 04:45

I will try a new bulb. Replacing a bulb in these cars is already such a PITA that I don't want to do the other side unless I have to.

Post by **precopster** » 20 Mar 2017, 17:52

On a customer's 2001 V70XC I cut the wire about 18 inches back from the headlight behind the air filter and soldered in another one from a pick and pull.

jh_on_the_cape · Post by **jh_on_the_cape** » 16 Apr 2017, 13:36

New bulb did the trick Thanks!!!!

Post by **mrbrian200** » 19 Apr 2017, 14:34

As a side note regarding pigtails, some of the aftermarket pigtails aren't any good either. Pigtail had been replaced by PO on mine on the RH side. I had to change that bulb about a month ago. The plastic clearly wasn't formulated for high temp as it was brittle and broke apart. Comparing pictures of it online (avoiding that specific brand pigtail so I hopefully don't end up replacing it a third time someday) it looked like the Doorman branded one.
The LH side pigtail is OE/never been replaced and it's fine.