headlight kill switch?

joencbor · Post by **joencbor** » 23 Mar 2009, 11:01

I have a 97 S90 (960) with about 125k on it. yesterday when i turned on the headlights the engine died. The headlights come on when I start it, even with the daytime running lights screw set to off. The car runs fine until I turn on the lights then quickly dies. Any ideas?
Thanks, Joe

Steven242 · Post by **Steven242** » 23 Mar 2009, 11:38

Alternator charging issues? A Short somewhere? Could be a number of things, start with an alternator/battery check, then check wiring.

Post by **billofdurham** » 23 Mar 2009, 13:32

joencbor, welcome to Matthew's Volvo Site.

I agree with checking the alternator and battery but start with the basics. Check both battery terminals and the leads are clean. If necessary clean them with a dry, fine grade wet and dry paper. Check the earth (ground) lead where it is attached to the body. This point often rusts causing a bad connection. Give it a good clean and smear a little Vaseline or di-electric grease on it before replacing the lead. Also check the earth strap between the engine/gearbox and the body.

Using a voltmeter check the voltage of the battery with the engine switched off. It should be around 12 volts. If it is less than 12 volts, you have a battery or charging system problem. Then check the battery voltage with the engine running, no lights, AC or radio playing. It should be over 12.7 volts and 14 plus volts if the idle speed is raised a little. If this is the case, your charging system is good, but your battery (or cable) is bad.

Bill.

joencbor · Post by **joencbor** » 23 Mar 2009, 19:28

Thanks for the ideas guys, I have checked the charging system and battery -all good all fuses and links. I am thinking about the headlamp switch as my next thing to test...it seems odd that the daytime lights stay on even in the off mode-then go off along with all power to the motor when I turn the knob to parking lamps or headlamps. No dealer help within 120 miles so
I guess I will be home by dark! ( the tail lights are not on, brake lights work)
Thanks again for your help,
Joe

joencbor · Post by **joencbor** » 25 Mar 2009, 18:50

It was a small ground wire attached to a block of ground wires(3)
at the inside of the left front fender near the corner marker light.
All is well again in my Volvo world....

Post by **billofdurham** » 26 Mar 2009, 13:37

Thank you for the update.

Check the other side as I think you will have some more earth wires there in a block of 3. Just a precaution.

Bill.