Hi All,
I've had this problem through the life of the car, but have been wondering if there is a known defect for the tail lights on the 2001 S40... they brun out at a much higher frequency than any other bulbs on the car. I find myself changing each bulb (all 4 of them) about once ever year/ 1.5 years. On the other hand I have never changed the side marker bulbs (and they are on as much os the tail light - i.e. all the time). Brake lights perhaps once in 15 years and same for the indicators. Headlamps do go more often , but I think partly due to a broken hosing which wiggles a bit and causes the bulb to bounce around. I can't find a reason for the rear bulbs to brun out so much. I am putting in 5W as recommended... is this under-powered?, should I use 8W? Just wondering... known wiring fault?

Thanks so much!
Anthony

 

changing wattage won't add longevity - only brightness. The only thing that will shorten a bulb's life are 1) usage - if you are leaving your lights on full time (ie daytime running lights) your cumulative hours add up faster 2) too much voltage or power spikes - forcing the bulb to burn brighter. Check your volts with the engine running at about 2000 rpm to make sure the voltage is not over spec. Any other odd electrical problems? 3) low quality bulb. next replace try putting in some OEM quality bulbs if possible.

 

Are you using the recommended bulb or a similar one? I ask because some parts stores do not have the correct bulb but offer one "similar". The dealer wants far too much money for the Volvo OEM version so best to order online for the exact version. Or just keep replacing them every 1 - 1.5 years. That's not bad really. Annoying though.

 

Well for sure I am not getting my bulbs from the dealer; rather just a local auto parts shop. They are good quality Sylvania bulbs though.. small in size 5W. I wonder what could be the difference between that and the OEM? there are no issues for any of the other non-OEM which I put in... Thanks for this!