Hi

Coincidence or something wrong? Last February both low beam headlights burned out at exactly the same time. Since both bulbs were out, I spent a day checking fuses and electrical shunts before I determined it was simply both bulbs. So, replaced both bulbs and no further problems.

Then this past weekend both right and left brake lights burn out (the third brake light in the center is ok). I haven't had time to check yet but given my experience with the headlights I suspect something funny is going on.

I hate electrical probs. The car is a 2003 V70 with 123k miles and I need it to last another 5 years.

Thanks

Bob

 

OK, just to circle back. No coincidence with the failed headlights. Fortunately, it was simply a blown brake light relay in the rear cargo compartment. Universal 12v 5 prong relay. $12 at my local NAPA. The rear fuse panel is located behind the interior panel on the left hand side of the cargo compartment. It is socket/circuit RMI 5.

Bob

 

Not sure about how a blown rear relay would blow both front headlight at the same time.
Explanations, anyone?

 

Not saying there is nothing wrong, but I was told by independent Volvo shop when I bought my S60 to expect much more frequent bulb changes than most others and it has been true. I did have a problem with a worn connector on the drivers side low beam that was causing lights to only last a week or so, but once I remedied that it has been fine. Unless it is the same bulb over and over I would just chalk it up to this Volvo idiosyncrasy.

 

Well I've been scratching my head as to why I had the change the front bulbs of my 2003 V70 2.4T so frequently.
You think I should look at the connectors? What did they have exactly?
And in your experience, is there any other direction I should look at?

 

Hi

So, I do not believe there is any connection to both my front headlights blowing at the same time and my both rear brake lights blowing at the same time.

The rear brake lights was definitely the brake light relay. Simple. Relay fails and both bulbs stop funtionnig

The front headlights, which both burned out in Feb 2014, I put down to pure coincidence. One burned out and then the other probably 5 mins later.

But, to your point, I do admit this car eats headlight bulbs more than usual. The connectors also ran real hot to the point of melting the connectors. My local indy had to solder on new connectors and it's been better since.

Bob

 

They do burn out bulbs and mostly due to running lights. However, you have to install them correctly against the headlight casing so that the heat transfers evenly.

The passenger side is a real pain due to the engine/transmission computers so close. The only solution that I have found is to buy the computer removal tools and remove the outer plastic case which opens up a whole bunch of working room.

 

Regarding both headlights burning out at the same time - I've had that happen as well and have a couple of theories - 1) the bulbs do have a pretty set life span in terms of hours, and when you run daytime running lights, you may notice when the first goes - but by the time you go to fix, both are gone. 2) the older bulbs get sensitive to voltage spikes - its not uncommon for a failing voltage regulator to take out some bulbs. As a diagnostic, I'd suggest doing an alternator test by measuring voltage at the battery - engine off (about 12.6) engine running with nominal load (about 14.5ish) and engine running with full load (all lights on, AC blower on full, rear defroster on) to see if it dips below 13... (some good Youtube vids for this DIY test) Could be an early warning about a pending alternator problem or more likely its just time to replace the bulbs...