The passenger side low beam died on my 02, S40. I put a new light in, but most of the assembly crumbled as I was doing this. And then the light didn't come on anyway. So I need to know where I can get a new / replacement assembly but I am still worried that this will not fix the fact that the light didn't come back on after putting the new light in. The high beam works on this side.

ANy ideas on good sites to get the assembly?

Thanks.

 

The low beams not working on one side is one of the known issues with the 2000-2004 models. The crumbling plastic is a problem also.

For the low beam you either replace the CEM ($$$) or solder a new relay on the CEM for a couple of bucks and fix it yourself. More info:
https://volvoforums.com/forum/volvo-...w-beams-68391/
https://volvoforums.com/forum/volvo-...nt-work-58301/

The housing itself can be repaired with JB Weld or similar epoxy. I repaired mine twice before the chrome-like coating started peeling so bad that I just replaced the whole thing. I ordered a replacement off the internet and swapped over the original glass lens for the replacement plastic one.

 

Going to dig into it this weekend, What does CEM stand for and where is it?

I don;t have access to my Haynes manual at the moment, so I'm trying to do all the research I can before I get back home later this week.

Thanks.

 

I believe it stands for Central Electronic Module.

You really need VIDA for Volvo specific stuff. There is a cool way to run a VMWare copy on any Windows machine without actually installing it. I got it to work on a 64bit machine running Windows 7 Home.

Check out this thread. http://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/for...ic.php?t=55027

 

I had the same issue with my headlights, as soon as I touched the damn thing it fell to pieces. I was able to connect it long enough to get me home, long story short both adjusters broke when I tried to press the connectors on and I ended up getting new assemblies on both sides. TYC makes a great oem replacement assembly. I opted to get the black bezel I thought it looked better than the chrome. also got matching turn signals. My advice get the part # from Oreillyauto.com and get it at a better price on amazon.com. I got everything (bulbs included) for $250. I attached a before and after so you could see what it looked like on the car.

 

If it turns out that the lowbeam still does not work with the new headlight in place do not get suckered into replacing the entire CEM. As per one of the replies, soldering in a new relay is a piece of cake as long as you have basic soldering skills. Here's a guide I put together for this very purpose. Incidentally, it appears that the advent of colder weather affects these relays as the v40 forums are full of similar stories in Oct and Nov.

Guide: How to replace headlamp relay in CEM - Volvo Owners Club Forum

 

Man, you are right - the black looks tons better (especially with the white car)...I may have to consider that upgrade.

 

Thanks man! I'm happy with the way it turned out. I still haven't gotten them adjusted to my liking yet. For some reason they were pointed super low right out of the box. I brought them way up and over corrected, then I had to bring them down some, and on a dark county road I feel like I'm still too low. Motorcycles are so much easier lol. Also, its cold as hell and I'm too lazy to stop and adjust them again. Now, I was tempted to put a pair of these in but the cost was more than I was willing to spend, considering the car is 13 years old and I could use that extra cash on my Turbo Aquatrax .

 

yep, those Spiders are pretty sweet but very difficult to justify on our "classic."

 

Slant6forever - any update on the headlight situation? What did you find wrong?

 

We were able to get the right light working by jumping off the left light. However, I'm sure this won't last long as those relays were not designed for that much voltage. My new relays arrived this week, as soon as my son gets home - he's the electronic's expert, we are going to find the CEM (I assume it's under the dash some where on the drivers side) and try to change out the relays.

Which brings up another question I've been meaning to ask. In these discussions, all the references have been to the CEM, but O'Reily, Autozone and Rock Auto don't have anything called a CEM. They do have an ECM or Engine Control Module. Are they the same thing?

Thanks

 

The CEM is up under the dash by the hood release latch. Here is a guide: Guide: How to replace headlamp relay in CEM - Volvo Owners Club Forum

You will not find the CEM for sale at anything other than a dealer or junkyard. It really should not be a replacement item (ever) but apparently it's one of the fun quirks of the early models. Maybe one day someone will make an aftermarket version. I have yet to experience the issues you have but I'm sure my time is coming.