High Beam/dashboard lighting issue

TommyC · Post by **TommyC** » 21 Oct 2019, 13:19

Hello. I'm new to the forum and have a question involving a 2003 V70. The other night I got in the car, turned the ignition on and some of the dashboard lights and radio lights are super dim. In addition, the high-beam lights will not stay in the high-beam position. Bulbs are good, fuses good. The light switch is in the 12:00 position, leaving only the Daytime running lights the only lights working.

Has anyone dealt with this issue and is there a specific relay on the central electronic module (CEM) that controls these lights?

I stuck a mirror and flashlight under the dash at the (CEM) and don't see any corrosion or fretting of wires.

Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.

Post by **oragex** » 21 Oct 2019, 18:01

May try the other settings on the light switch know, only one keeps the high beam on. Do you still see the blue high beam light on the dashboard ? Did the car battery went flat recently ? May be worth measuring the battery and the alternator charge

I'm thinking either DIM failure - your 2003 is in the range for this, or a problem with the cabin light sensor located on the radio unit face - located at the bottom in between the two knobs - try covering it with you finger see if the light is still dim.

TommyC · Post by **TommyC** » 21 Oct 2019, 18:34

Thanks for your response oragex. I'll check battery/ alternator. The high beams can be flashed but they don't stay on. Also the DTR lights are on in all three positions on control, including in park (middle). position. This has me stumped.

The local Volvo dealer said it may be a software glitch. Hopefully not that deep. Any how I can't get the car inspected untill it is fixed.

Thanks.

DrDan · Post by **DrDan** » 22 Oct 2019, 06:58

oragex wrote: ↑21 Oct 2019, 18:01 I'm thinking either DIM failure - your 2003 is in the range for this, or a problem with the cabin light sensor located on the radio unit face - located at the bottom in between the two knobs - try covering it with you finger see if the light is still dim.

As the dimming level is controlled via CANBUS and several devices are affected, I would also guess that the ambient light sensor could be involved (reading bright day when it's really dark). However, the light sensor on the radio is for the infrared remote if I'm not mistaken. Ambient light sensor would be on top of the dash, under the internal rear view mirror.
At the same time, DIM failure would not explain the radio dimness I guess.

For the high beam, could this be an issue with the switch, I mean the one on the next to the steering wheel? I'm having issues with the one controlling the window washers, it only engages if carefully pushed to intermediate position so I guess they do fail.

TommyC · Post by **TommyC** » 23 Oct 2019, 12:39

Thanks Dr. Dan. It's just weird that all this happened at the same time which is why I thought the 2 issues may be related. I will look into the switch and the control arm. I have noticed it's a bit wonky when turn signal is pushed down for left turns. Thanks again all.

Post by **ljsommar1** » 23 Oct 2019, 18:29

I experienced very similar symptoms on my 2002 V70. The solution for me was a replacement (junkyard) headlight switch. If that is your problem, the switch replacement is a 2-5 minute job.
Open drivers door, remove panel, insert hand, squeese tabs on switch, push switch forward, disconnect connector, reverse process with replacement switch. I didn't even disconnect battery but I suppose that would be recommended.
I attempted to repair my original switch before I replaced it, with mixed results but it did confirm that the switch was bad.

TommyC · Post by **TommyC** » 23 Oct 2019, 19:48

ljsommar1

I appreciate the advice. you are the second one to give this as a possible solution. I will definitely be adding this to my trouble shooting. eBay Volvo parts seller mentioned this to me today.

Thanks

darylrobert · Post by **darylrobert** » 25 Oct 2019, 04:43

fairly sure its the headlight switch thats the problem, not sure if they are swapable but ive seen a video where someone took theirs apart and re-soldered some joints. ive noticed my lights go dim for a few seconds then come back normal...probably early stages of failure.

TommyC · Post by **TommyC** » 25 Oct 2019, 05:28

Got one coming eBay $20.00. thanks