Headlight Assembly Replacement?

rivera0608 · Post by **rivera0608** » 17 Oct 2019, 13:15

My headlights are catastrophically dim. I basically depend on the street lights to see well at night, if there are street lights. A few months back I bought new bulbs, and no improvement. The interior reflectors are pretty brown/faded, so I'm guessing that's the main reason I'm not getting enough brightness.

However, before I go and buy new headlight assemblies, is there a way to troubleshoot if it's a possible wiring issue? Maybe I'm just not getting enough voltage to the bulbs.

Any tips are much appreciated!

Post by **RickHaleParker** » 17 Oct 2019, 15:10

Measure the voltage drop across the bulbs and compare it to the voltage drop across the battery.

Post by **BEJinFbk** » 17 Oct 2019, 15:47

If the reflectors aren’t mirror shiny any more, start researching.
There are plenty of great posts here about 70 series headlights.
The “jewel” versions from later P80 C70’s get rave reviews
and will bolt right up. Check out OEM and Depo options.

Post by **FlyingVolvo** » 17 Oct 2019, 17:33

FCP sells a TYC brand of headlight replacements that are relatively cheap and pretty decent quality. More or less exact copy of the OEMs. There aren't too many great ways to refurbish dead reflectors, and most junkyard ones will probably be crappy too at this point.

You could also buy clear lenses and do a projector retrofit for amazing results, though at an increased cost.

yanga001 · Post by **yanga001** » 17 Oct 2019, 19:18

I had a similar issue in my v70. Spent a $100 on a projector kit and any old HID set and it was more than adequate. Aim the projectors properly and you will not blind any oncoming drivers. One word of mention is that they might not pass safety depending on where you are. The most important thing with the retrofit is to ensure your lights are aimed properly!

Post by **bmdubya1198** » 17 Oct 2019, 21:11

I went with jewels in my V70R and love them. Light output is WAY better than the stock headlights... my reflectors were horribly faded and I could barely see a foot in front of me. I highly recommend them, even if you stick with the stock H11 or H7 halogen bulbs.

Also, check to see if you have the pig tails in place on the headlight harnesses. Remove that and you'll get slightly brighter headlights. It's like an extension harness between the headlight connector on the light and the connector from the body harness.

Post by **Eddystone** » 18 Oct 2019, 12:24

ecbsykes wrote: ↑17 Oct 2019, 17:33 FCP sells a TYC brand of headlight replacements that are relatively cheap and pretty decent quality. More or less exact copy of the OEMs. There aren't too many great ways to refurbish dead reflectors, and most junkyard ones will probably be crappy too at this point.

You could also buy clear lenses and do a projector retrofit for amazing results, though at an increased cost.

I installed TYC headlight assemblies in my two P80s (98 and 99), and the difference was dramatically better. Plenty of light now. I posted before and after photos here a few months ago.

Post by **erikv11** » 18 Oct 2019, 12:47

Eddystone's before-after post about TYC headlights: viewtopic.php?f=1&t=88189

zeke1256 · Post by **zeke1256** » 26 Jul 2024, 10:53

I have a 2000 S-70, headlights were very dim, tried different higher output bulbs, very little difference. I believe the inner reflectors were basically shot. Bought aftermarket TYC headlight assemblies, HUGE difference, like driving a different new car. However, one headlight wouldn't adjust up or down, my bodyman said the inner adjustment wheel must be broke or something. Ordered new one, returned old one for refund. New one was able to adjust so I'm good again., each light assembly around $90.00, can't go wrong with these.

Andrew Vanis · Post by **Andrew Vanis** » 28 Jul 2024, 23:42

Just ordered some TYC on RockAuto for $65 each (remember your 5% RA discount code)