01 V70 XC headlights flicker

[mydamnvolvo]

So, I was driving in PA tonight on Route 447 in the rain, and as it turned dark, my headlights flipped on, as usual. As I drove on, I noticed that when flipping from high to low beams, the lights would flicker for a second. i thought it might be a loose connection, so I drove on. Later, the low beams cut out entirely, so I was relying on high beams, which was hard as it was commute time in the rain, my luck. Then, as I was flipping the switch, the lights flickered and went out. I was only a little far from home, so i flipped the switch back to low beam and used my fog lights to get home. I pulled in the garage and checked each light and harness, and everything was fine. My turn signals were fine, but I got a red triangle in the instrument cluster, but no message. Do you think the car doesn't like the rain? Any input is appreciated. Thanks.


-Cynthia

[abscate]

I think the headlight switch on the 2001 had a recall so that's worth looking into.

It's pretty indicative that you lost lights sequentially that's its a common point, and the switch makes sense.

The other common theme is the headlight relay, component 2/1 labelled 104 and 108 on my 1999. You might need to track down the 2001 wiring diagram to confirm the right relay. Your fog lights don't run through that so that is another logical fail point.

You look for 12 VDC at the headlights, when you don't find it, you work BACKWARDS until you find where you have 12 VDC. That isolates the fault.

There is a VIN break in 2001 so order by your VIN number. A new one is shockingly expensive so maybe a used one is worth looking into

You should also get the code read for guidance. On your 2001 a lot of stuff is run by modules so they give fault information

[abscate]

Update recall is 1998-2000 MY only, not you.

Make / Models : Model/Build Years:
Volvo / C70 1998-2000
Volvo / S70 1998-2000
Volvo / V70 1998-2000
Volvo / V70XC 1998-2000
MANUFACTURER: Volvo Cars of N.A. LLC.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number : 04V504000 Recall Date : OCT 18, 2004
COMPONENT: Exterior Lighting: Headlights: Switch
Potential Number Of Units Affected : 97000
SUMMARY:
On certain passenger and sport utility vehicles, over an extended period of time, the headlight switch may cease to function.
CONSEQUENCE:
The head lights may not operate properly which could result in intermittent or no headlight function. this could impair a driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
REMEDY:
Dealers will replace the headlight switch. The manufacturer has not yet provided an owner notification schedule for this campaign. Owners should Contact Volvo at 1-800-458-1552.
NOTES:
Volvo Recall NO. 142. Customers can also contact The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Auto Safety Hotline at 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).