Hi,
We have a 2006 XC70 purchased used several years ago and now with 178K miles. Back in the summer I had low beam headlight bulbs fail twice on the driver's side. Replaced both times. Then it failed again in October. I finally diagnosed it was not the bulbs but, the H11 wire connector. Apparently, this is a somewhat known issue on our vehicles. When you leave the lights on all the time for safety, the connectors (as they get old) oxidize, overheat and melt - destroying the connection. So, yesterday, I replaced the connectors on both sides with Dorman #90803 which is a high temperature ceramic socket (vs. plastic). $16 at AutoZone for two connectors. I simply stripped and spliced the wires and sealed with heat shrink tubing. I then installed two new bulbs using lots of dielectric grease on the connector. The bulbs were Peak Lighting Power Vision H11 – 55Watt bulbs ($36), Very happy with the result. I would even say the Peak bulbs are substantially brighter than the factory bulbs or the Sylvania Basic halogens I used before.

Just two annoying things on this project:
1) the low beam are a PITA to get to. On the driver side you have to remove the entire airbox to gain access. And on the passenger side you have to remove the plastic weather-proof housing which surrounds those electronic "computer" boards. I've done it several times before so no big deal but, definitely not "easy access" to the bulbs
2) on the H11 bulbs, there are three tab - two small and one large. For some reason, removing the passenger side bulb was extremely difficult. Then installing the new bulb was near impossible until I notice the headlight housing itself only had three small tabs. I essentially had to reach in from behind with a small flat head screw driver and bend the housing to fit the large tab. Curious if others had experienced the same

Anyway, hope this helps someone

Bob

 

Thank you for this post. I have the same model you do and have replaced the headlight bulbs in the past. I was cursing the Volvo engineers every 5 minutes when I first tried changing the bulbs. Two days ago I replaced ALL the headlight bulbs, but this time thought I would try removing the bumper. It was much quicker this time going this route. Going forward I will replace all the headlight bulbs about once every 3 years. I was also able to do some work on the fog lights too and it still took me less time than not removing the bumper.

 

thanks for your encouraging instructions. I have an extra headlamp set from my 2013 s60 and noticed a similar wiring configuration and I'm contemplating swapping out the wiring harness for my xc70. do you know of any simple, non destructive method of removing the wires from the sealed unit? the clear plastic headlamp apears to be permanently sealed to the black backing.

 

I just got a quote for $3400 to fix the low beam issue on my 2009 Xc70. Replacing both complete headlight assemblies.
problem is as Bob indicated.

 

Exactly what is your low beam issue?

The HID bulbs/assemblies are quite different than the H11 assemblies the OP is talking about.

What bulbs do you have? H11 or HID? 2006 and 2009 are not the same car/headlamp assembly.

 

I have HID bulbs. The dealer said the wiring harness is frayed. My low beam drivers side goes on and off even though bulb has been replaced.
dealer said entire headlight assembly would need replacing to correct issue.

 

This parts page is for the turning HID headlamps - Volvo has a listing for the wiring harness #5 inside the headlamp, and you may need a #15 ballast also.

Tasca wants about $45 for the harness https://www.tascaparts.com/oem-parts...1353636?c=az0x Unfortunately ballasts are many hundred dollars.

You might want to get a second opinion