My low beam headlights were originally not working intermittently, by for the past few days they have not come on at all. Based on looking on these forums, it appears I am having a shunt/relay type failure, though I don't really know what that is.

The headlights that have been there for a few years were changed out with some sylvania silverstar bulbs, though I continued to have the same problem. Thats when I came here. I thought I compounded theproblem by putting in more powerful (ie more voltage drawing) lights. So I went backand got more "OEM" Sylvania H7s. Just before I tore open the packaging, I noticed the bulb packaging said "12 volts, 55 watts". Same verbage is the silverstar packaging. Same verbage in the owner's manual.

Since the voltage hasn't changed, I don't think the "shunt" is "activating" (as intended), though it may be activating because its failing. Would it be smart to change out this "shunt". What is the shunt called, i.e. how do I order it online?

All help is appreciated.

Thanks

NB

 

You may have to order one online.
I am going to give you a link to a site that explains how to find it and where it is.
Follow the directions to get to it. Check the connections for burn marks. If you have them clean everything up really good and close the female connections on the main part some and reinstall and see if is works ok.
http://www.xenonvalot.com/xenonfixvolvo.html

 

Apparently the "shunt board" was all sorts messed up. Rather than replace the board, which is supposedly very expensive, my mechanic removed stuff and soldered new wiring onto it. Just hopes this helps someone in the future.