1999 V70-XC No headlights MVSOLVED light switch

[PapaHepcat]

I noticed today that I have no headlights. I'd like to think it was sudden, but I haven't been driving while dark lately, so I don't know for sure. I usually just leave the lights on since they go out when you take the key out.

I haven't had a chance to really dig into it because I've already been working on my truck, but here's what I tested so far:

• *When I turn the headlight switch on (the one on the dash), the dash lights come on. So do the corner lights.
  *If I pull back the Turn Signal/Cruise/ High Beam Switch, the high beams come on, but they don't stay on when I let go. Lights just go out again.
  *I tried jiggling the ignition switch, but no change.
  *Turn signals are fine.
  *Cruise control works fine.

What should I be looking for first? Ignition switch? Just bulbs burned out and I didn't notice? Something on the High Beam Switch? Something else?

[abscate]

There was a headlight switch recall on your 1999..could be the switch.

I would pop the low beam bulbs out and inspect. You could test them ( really briefly..they get hot!) with a wire on the battery or just plain look for 12 VDC on the connector with a VOm

[scot850]

If you have PnP locally see if they have a light switch and swap yours out. Also check fuses.

I have many spare light switches, and I think I pay around $5-8 each for them at PnP.

Like abscate says, there was a recall on these switches, so may be worth trying the dealer and see if yours was replaced or inspected. You may be lucky....!

Neil.

[rspi]

[PapaHepcat]

Well, I ran my VIN at volvocars.com on their recall page. No luck. I emailed them just in case. Too late at night to call.

I had a few minutes to mess with it today. When I had the key out, I pulled the high beam/low beam lever, and sure enough, the headlights came on. It'd flash to high as I held it back, but low beams would remain when I let go. If I pulled it again, they'd go out. So I can toggle them off and on. BUT as soon as I put the key in - without even turning it - the lights went out again.

So it's gotta be the headlight switch or the ignition switch. Something that normally says, "Hey turn the lights on now," but then it doesn't.

There's no PnP near me, but I suppose I'll start with the headlight switch if I don't hear back from Volvo.

[BEJinFbk]

It may be the headlight control relay.
It's one of the modules in the fuse box.
There are pics on MVS somewhere,
I just haven't got'em on this tablet.

[PapaHepcat]

It may be the headlight control relay.
It's one of the modules in the fuse box.
There are pics on MVS somewhere,
I just haven't got'em on this tablet.

I found this on another thread:

• 
  101 - 102 Control Module, Cruse control (4/3) (FENIX)
  103 Relay fuel pump (FP) (2/23) (Not MSA)
  104 - 108 Headlamp relay with bulb failure warning sensor (2/1)
  105 Overload relay X supply (2/30)
  106 Overload relay 15I supply (2/6)
  201 Fog lamp relay (2/2)
  202 Relay alarm horn (2/77)
  203 Intermittent wiper relay (2/4)
  204 Intermittent relay tailgate wiper (2/16) (S70/V70) or Audible signal softop (7/117) (CONV)
  205 Relay rear hatch opening (2/67) (CONV)
  206 Relay window lift mechanisms left-hand side (2/99) (CONV)
  208 Relay heated rear windshield/ door mirrors (2/44)
  210 Relay window lift mechanism right-hand side (2/100) (CONV)
  212 Relay seat belt reminder/ key warning (2/5)
  214 Automatic fuses 11C41-42 (CONV)

So the double wide 104-108, right? Now that I think of it, my fog lights might not be working either. So maybe it is the relay. I'll have to double check after work.

Holy cow. Those things are like $150 bucks! But I bought a used one on eBay for $10.

*Side note: I heard back from Volvo this morning. The headlight switch was replaced 10 years ago.

[abscate]

Well, I ran my VIN at volvocars.com on their recall page. No luck. I emailed them just in case. Too late at night to call.

I had a few minutes to mess with it today. When I had the key out, I pulled the high beam/low beam lever, and sure enough, the headlights came on. It'd flash to high as I held it back, but low beams would remain when I let go. If I pulled it again, they'd go out. So I can toggle them off and on. BUT as soon as I put the key in - without even turning it - the lights went out again.

So it's gotta be the headlight switch or the ignition switch. Something that normally says, "Hey turn the lights on now," but then it doesn't.

There's no PnP near me, but I suppose I'll start with the headlight switch if I don't hear back from Volvo.

I think that's activating the " light the front door" function. If you pull up , turn off the key, and toggle the dimmer, the lights come on for 30 seconds or so!?

[PapaHepcat]

I think that's activating the " light the front door" function. If you pull up , turn off the key, and toggle the dimmer, the lights come on for 30 seconds or so!?

Yup, that's exactly what that is. At least I know that the bulbs and wiring are fine.

[PapaHepcat]

Turns out it was the switch. I got a reacement off eBay for $15, and apparently I now have a spare relay. All is well.