2006 XC 70 bulb swap from hell

kohen44 · Post by **kohen44** » 21 Dec 2014, 15:15

I spent time reading the online forums and DIYs for swapping out a headlight bulb on a 2006 XC 70. I saw that there would be some challenges, as this wasn't very accessible, but most said it could be accomplished. For me this was not the case. I spent just over three hours attempting this swap for a simple H11 bulb. It took almost and hour for me to get the first one out and over 2 hours trying to get the new one in. It didn't happen and I gave up. The frustrating part is that all I have to do is get the damn bulb to twist in the socket properly.

After many hours working on this in the driveway in 38 degree temperature, hunched over, and my hands and fingers raw and bleeding, I was done. I had tried everything to get that bulb to set properly, to no avail. I was only able to work with two fingers due to the space limitations. I was not about to pull everything apart for a simple bulb swap. I thought this is absolutely ridiculous, but then realized it is actually part of the business model. It all makes sense, Volvo doesn't want the car owner to fix these simple things, they want you to go to the Volvo dealership and pay an exuberant amount, no matter how minor/simple. With everyone complaining so long you think they would have made it easier, wrong, they make it difficult on purpose

So now I have a bulb socket loosely in place. I am not going to drive the car like this and take the chance of some other electrical probable occurring. I probably won't have any time to work on this over the next week, so the car will sit. I really don't want to take it to a dealership for something like this, as I'm sure they will charge a crazy amount. Perhaps they may even say that they have to take the front bumper off to fix it. Unfortunately, I don't yet have a trusted garage (for Volvo work) around where I live. I bought the car about four months ago and this is the first issue I have had (I know.. welcome to Volvo ownership!). I have a garage that was recommended, but it is not close to where I live, but rather closer to where I work (1 hour away). Probably not as expensive as a dealership, but still more then what I want to pay for something like this. So the added inconvenience and the potential for a "fix it" bill doesn't make for a "Joyful Time" of the year, especially for something like a headlight bulb.

Happy Holidays !

speedyt5 · Post by **speedyt5** » 21 Dec 2014, 15:40

Really? Is it not how they do it in the first minute of this video?

draser · Post by **draser** » 21 Dec 2014, 16:02

Video shows the one with most clearance. How about the bulb behind ecu box or driver side? Car wasn't designed to be readily serviceable.

speedyt5 · Post by **speedyt5** » 21 Dec 2014, 16:08

Post by **abscate** » 22 Dec 2014, 05:22

I am one with you grasshopper. On my 2005, there was an extra piece of flash metal on the bulb holder that made this job very difficult, in short, a part defect.

I'll try find link to thread with pictures .

Post by **abscate** » 22 Dec 2014, 05:24

https://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/forums ... ht#p342922

kohen44 · Post by **kohen44** » 22 Dec 2014, 21:39

Thanks abscate. I need to wait for the skin to grow back on my hand.

I have to try and get the bulb back in somehow. I appreciate your thread as I will attempt to tackle this again tomorrow night. I just can't seem to get it to twist in and lock. It appears the cutouts are lined up accordingly, even the larger one. Do you recall which direction you turned it to lock in? I can get a little bit of it turned, but not enough to hold it -I just tap it and it comes lose again. I fumbled with this bulb for hours and I'm surprised it still works. I may have to pick up another one and try that. As indicated in my first post, I am just working with two fingers in the hole.

Post by **abscate** » 23 Dec 2014, 06:47

I don't but maybe I can figure out by looking at it today. Are you working on the right hand one, with the tight clearance from the ECU case? I actually took the case out to get better access.

kohen44 · Post by **kohen44** » 23 Dec 2014, 09:49

This is the passenger side bulb. I will see what I can move to make this easier. Thanks.

kohen44 · Post by **kohen44** » 23 Dec 2014, 20:50

Maddening..absolute maddening. I spent another two hours fumbling with this bulb, again to no avail. The effort put forth is unreasonable for such a straight forward task. Either something is bent, broken or my two fingers just can't apply enough pressure to make it snug. I lost the battle and shall lay my sword down at the doorstep of the Volvo dealership. Earlier today I called a Volvo shop for some advice and was told to remove the window washer reservoir. I also asked what direction you need to turn bulb and they said counterclockwise. Removing the reservoir did not make any difference. I tried a new H11 bulb (different brand), but that didn't work either. I'm not comfortable taking out the black box behind the light. I envy all of you who have done this successfully and I thank all those who provided feedback. Sorry I could not deliver on this. And to add to the problem, I see that the little peanut bulb under the headlamp is now out (probably from all my fumbling) and the orange corner (parking) light is out on the driver's side - and that looks like a real PIA. I can't wait to see what they charge my for labor

Maybe I will just pass on that corner light for now. Hopefully the worse that will happen driving with a lose bulb is that it will burn out, as I have to drive the car about 30 miles to the shop.