Electrical issue...need help

AlanS · Post by **AlanS** » 29 Jun 2024, 12:03

2006 xc70. I put new LED bulbs in last year- everything was great till last nite. Driving home, I noticed the lights were dim...upon arriving home, the lights were no brighter than an old flashlight... Revving the car does not increase the brightness. What should I explore? What is the voltage that I should expect from the battery at its terminals? What is the voltage I should expect at the headlight sockets? I will try to look around for any 'loose' connections...Don't know what else to do? My local mechanic is off for 2 weeks, I'm afraid to drive too far from home. Alternator?

Post by **Krons** » 29 Jun 2024, 12:39

Electrical system should be at 13.5V when running. If 12V or lower likely the alternator. A cheap voltmeter or Amazon USB socket with voltage readout in the cigarette lighter will do the trick.

AlanS · Post by **AlanS** » 29 Jun 2024, 15:20

12.6 engine off, 14.4 engine running. 12v at light socket. With bulb out of the car, Can i test an led bulb by connecting the terminals directly to my battery?

Post by **Krons** » 29 Jun 2024, 17:12

I’d just change the bulbs with a halogen to isolate the headlight circuit.