2001 S60 2.4T Bulb Failure Left Signal

That One Guy · Post by **That One Guy** » 23 Jun 2009, 20:02

I have a 2001 S60 2.4T (US) with about 121K miles. A few days ago the left turn signal began blinking very rapidly and the message center told me something like "Bulb Failure, Left Signal." I waited until evening to test the lights, and all appear to be functional (aside from blinking rapidly). However, the problem comes and goes. It might tell me the bulb is failing on Tuesday, but magically start working again the next day.

Is the problem a loose connection? Is the bulb getting ready to fail? How can I check the connection/replace the bulb? Any help will be greatly appreciated.

Post by **vegasjetskier** » 23 Jun 2009, 20:30

Sometimes the connections corrode, other times the socket cracks. The first thing to do is take each bulb out and sandpaper the contacts and barrels of the bulbs, then put them back. If you still get the message, replace the bulbs. If you still get the message, look the sockets over carefully for cracks.

Post by **mvsuzr** » 23 Jun 2009, 21:00

For what it's worth:

Fast blinking can be caused by excessive circuit loads. In the old stone age, you would see this if you hooked up a trailer to your car without compensating for the extra light loading. The old style blinkers were a simple contact that would open when it got hot, and close when it cooled off. More load would cause more current which would heat the contact faster and increase the blink speed.

You may have a partial short in your circuit (which could definitely be the bulb(s)). If you're adventurous and have time on your hands, try swapping the left and right signal bulbs.

Given this is after all a Volvo, it probably uses a sophisticated algorithm tied to the gross national product of Sweden and calculates the ambient light level on your rear view mirror...

Post by **coflynn** » 24 Jun 2009, 05:13

On my car when a bulb burned out it would sporadically start working again.

This was because for instance it burned out with a break in the middle of the bulb. But bouncing around cause the two sides to come together again, and sometimes stick if power happened to be on.

You could take the bulbs out and take a look - it should be obvious if the filament is very raggedy looking!

-Colin

That One Guy · Post by **That One Guy** » 25 Jun 2009, 09:22

That's all great advice and I'll definitely have to try the sandpaper trick. However, does anyone have a guide on how to take the bulbs out?

I'm not a very skilled mechanic, so if anyone can provide instructions on how to access/remove the left and right blinker bulbs, or has a link to a guide, I would truly appreciate it.

Post by **vegasjetskier** » 25 Jun 2009, 09:46

Go to this link and scroll down for directions: https://www.customers.volvocars.com/own ... .htm#pg179

rickylala2001 · Post by **rickylala2001** » 25 Jun 2009, 13:28

That One Guy wrote:I have a 2001 S60 2.4T (US) with about 121K miles. A few days ago the left turn signal began blinking very rapidly and the message center told me something like "Bulb Failure, Left Signal." I waited until evening to test the lights, and all appear to be functional (aside from blinking rapidly). However, the problem comes and goes. It might tell me the bulb is failing on Tuesday, but magically start working again the next day.

Is the problem a loose connection? Is the bulb getting ready to fail? How can I check the connection/replace the bulb? Any help will be greatly appreciated.

i got same problem like you have. Mine is at right-hand side. First, I have right-hand side bulb failure (message is “bulb failure, right turn) I thought its bulb failure & went to buy an replacement. After replaced a new one, it still blinking repidly and several days later, my dipped beam broke. I was thinking mybe the circuit board has relay issue. The bulb is new one but blinking issue still happens. I really don’t want to go to garage or dealer not if it is necessary. I wonder if I replace a new dipped beam and may the blinking issue be solved, do you know?

Post by **vegasjetskier** » 25 Jun 2009, 13:53

rickylala2001 wrote:I wonder if I replace a new dipped beam and may the blinking issue be solved, do you know?

I don't think so. The dipped beam is the "low" beam for the headlights and is on a different circuit than the turn signals. You should replace the dipped beam bulb anyway so that you have low beam headlights for driving at night or the daytime running lights (if your car is set up for that).

I bought some (2) from China on eBay for $5 delivered. It took about a week for them to arrive. http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Set-of-H ... 240%3A1318

That One Guy · Post by **That One Guy** » 29 Jun 2009, 16:08

I tried roughing the connections with sandpaper, but I still get the message. I'm going to replace the front and rear left turn signals later this week. I'll be sure to report whether or not that fixes the problem.

Thanks again!

That One Guy · Post by **That One Guy** » 04 Jul 2009, 20:05

I replaced the front left and front right turn signal bulbs this morning, and that fixed the problem. Changing the left bulb alone did not fix the problem. I had to replace the right bulb as well to keep the electrical load the same.

The left turn signal was easy to replace, but the right turn signal was more difficult. I had to use a T25 Torx wrench to remove the filler pipe from the washer fluid reservoir before I could reach the bulb holder. Also, I applied a small amount of dielectric grease to the contacts to help prevent corrosion and ensure a good connection.

Thank you all for your help, and I hope this post will help others with similar problems in the future.