failing head lights need help please

V480TI · Post by **V480TI** » Fri Oct 24, 2003 7:15 pm

Like it, we now have three 480's, 1 turbo,1 2.0litre and one turbo.

But the normal 1721 that I drive for the time beeing has a major problem;

the headlights sometimes go out. The headlights stay in position, but they sometimes go out and after a few seconds go on again.

Not amusing when youre driving in the dark.
It is a 1988 1721cc with the B18E engine.

Sometimes when they go out I hear a click (relais under the bonnet maybe???????) or faulthy wiring behind the dash ????

Last week I drove over the highway and in a half hour they failed about eleven times. Sometimes they work perfect.

What the hell can this be or has somebody had the same problem ???
I already ordered a new relay.

Thanks and greetz

volvofox · Post by **volvofox** » Fri Oct 24, 2003 7:25 pm

good idea, start with the relay.

I had the same problem solved with the relay.

Try this: if its out, leave car running and the lights on, then open hood and triangular box near the left hinge of the hood. Gently tick on each relay (or better look on the downloadable schedule via this site (on dragon's) which one is the popups lights on relay). Maybe just a loose, dirty or pushed down contact, but possible needs a new relay.

piece of cake. but it gets interesting if it is not the relay......

luck,
jpf

gerrsvolvo · Post by **gerrsvolvo** » Fri Oct 24, 2003 7:29 pm

From your description I conclude that the relais in the relais box
is most probably the reason for your problem.
I have also had this.
and after fitting an new relais everything was OKE.
Presuming that the fuses are OKE.
Another cause could be the headlightstalk.
Try first the relais. Is cheaper them a new collumstalk.
Good luck
Gerrsvolvo

Sophie · Post by **Sophie** » Sat Oct 25, 2003 2:29 pm

try the relay first...sould be a little picture in the Haynes book...if u're like me...lost as soon as u open the bonnet lol If it's not that I would have thought that there may be a wire that's giving up the ghost, but the clicking usually means relay...

V480TI · Post by **V480TI** » Sat Oct 25, 2003 3:05 pm

thanks for your reactions.
Well; I already know what relay it is, drove to Volvo Eindhoven.
They helped me out of three problems sofar and it didn't cost me a thing.

I already cleaned the contactpoints of the relay, but that didn't help.

But: what is the function of such a relay; what does it do ???

And don't probably in this case ?????

Thanks very much and greetz

V480TI · Post by **V480TI** » Wed Nov 05, 2003 4:50 pm

Fixed, it was the relay!!!!!!
Thanks for your replies.
Greetz

gerrsvolvo · Post by **gerrsvolvo** » Thu Nov 06, 2003 7:51 am

Nice

to hear that yopu have gfixed it with
th ehelp of the repies onnteh forum

Good Cem
gerrsvolvo

Volvo 480 Club Europe

failing head lights need help please

failing head lights need help please

re:failing headlights

relay

Relay