Dim Headlights 2000 Volvo S70

[BEJinFbk]

2004 V70 AWD t2.5 wagon

I also have very dim lights lately. Had a battery at the end of its life so I replaced and lights still dim. I measure 11.69 volts at both low beam plugs. Is this close enough to the 12v or do I have a volt supply problem?

I checked the charging system with measurements at the battery - I measured 12.4v engine off; 14.2v running at idle and 13.5v under load (lights, high beams, radio, AC on hi).



thanks

It looks like you own a 2004 - You're hanging with the wrong crowd, here...
We all drive the previous body style with different headlights and electrical systems.

You'll do better with the owners of the P2 body style like yours that you'll find here:
viewforum.php?f=9

[SvenGWK]

In the case of the old volvo V70/C70 it is less the bulb that causes the problem but the reflector. Maybe this is already a problem with your 2004 V70. The condition of the headlight lens can also be a factor.
In my 20-year-old car, the reflectors are practically blind. They look like oxidized aluminum, not chrome. The bulb can be so bright, the headlights don't bring much light anymore. Probably only exchanging them will help. There are relatively cheap exchange parts (from China). I'll have to find out if they're any good...

[scot850]

What the ......???

[sleddriver]

What the ......???

Bright, new bulbs coupled with a grainy, grey reflector will still result in poor lighting. BTDThis. I'm still amazed at just how bright my HDLT's are now...on low beam. On high, they make highway signs painful to look at. Should have replaced the reflectors MUCH SOONER.

[scot850]

Sorry, I did understand what you were saying, but there was another post after your previous input with a bunch of links to shoes or something? It has now been removed thankfully!

Thanks for the clarity though!

Neil.

[matthew1]

Neil, that was a spam post by a spam account. I deleted both.

[wizechatmgr]

I went the crystal route and was very pleased.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Fits-2003-2004 ... f1&vxp=mtr

Thanks, was wondering what sort of options we had. So do the 03-04 C70 lights fit into the P80s? Or is that strictly a 'bastards' thing?

Abscate and I found a little ballast resistor put inline with my headlights. Check and see if yours has this. I removed mine and the light is a lot better.

[Eddystone]

Sorry to disagree with the post about but without actually seeing your headlights and bulbs its not possible to sensibly say replace the bulbs as the problem could be with the reflectors which is more likely.

My headlights are not that bright or focused on the road at night as well. The reflectors on mines have faded with UV exposure over the years. I recommend having new reflectors over any bulb no matter how expensive. HID bulbs are not designed for the reflectors on the 850 Volvo. They scatter the light dashing oncoming drivers.Very annoying.

Exactly my experience. Bulbs made little difference. Reflectors made a HUGE difference. They should have a mirror-like finish, not just silver.

[abscate]

The reflectors should look like mirrors, not like some guy named Matt sneaked In and made them dull, and, well, matte.