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Headlight failure- manual warns AGAINST replacing fuse by yourself? V70-XC70 1998

posted by  pdcinme on  Tue Mar 20 01:04 CST 2007
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last visit: Tue Mar 20 04:22 CST 2007
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The headlights on my '98 v70 failed to come on when I started my car for work a couple mornings ago. The "bulb out" indicator came on also. BOTH headlights failed to light, and I notice there is a 50 amp fuse for the headlamps listed in my manual. I also notice the manual warns against replacing this fuse yourself. Why is that? It (the manual) says there is a likely "major electrical issue" that causes this fuse to fail. Considering I am
(currently- knock on wood) having no other issues with my wagon, electrical or otherwise, is there any good reason for not simply replacing the fuse and getting on with my life?

Any help/info is greatly appreciated!







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    Headlight failure- manual warns AGAINST replacing fuse by yourself? V70-XC70 1998

    posted by  KlausC on  Tue Mar 20 03:22 CST 2007
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    last visit: Fri Oct 24 10:15 CST 2014
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    That 50 amp fuse is over kill, in my book, and should never fail. If the fuse failed, there is something else drastically wrong. Is there no current at the headlight? Are the bulbs OK?
    Most 1998 failures are because the plugs overheat and the plastic degrades and falls apart, allowing the wires to arc. If that is what caused the fuse to fail, then the problem must be fixed before replacing the fuse.

    Klaus
    --
    1975 164 w/174,800mi (Sold) 1995 850T w/91,000mi, 1998 V70R w/129,000mi








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      Headlight failure- manual warns AGAINST replacing fuse by yourself? V70-XC70 1998

      posted by  pdcinme on  Tue Mar 20 04:22 CST 2007
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      Klaus- thanks for the prompt response. I did a bad thing...i ASSUMED it was the fuse, simply because both headlights failed at the same time. Isn't simultaneous failure of the bulbs unlikely? Knowing the 50 amp rating is overkill, I'll have to get under there with a tester and see if there's current to the sockets... If there is none, then I'll check the fuse, and go from there. For what it's worth, what wiring I have inspected appears to be in decent shape...any other likly scenarios?

      After viewing several posts on the site, your responses always seem to be right on the mark- thanks for taking the time to offer your info/suggestions/advice.

      Don C. in central Maine








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        Headlight failure- manual warns AGAINST replacing fuse by yourself? V70-XC70 1998

        posted by  KlausC on  Tue Mar 20 10:40 CST 2007
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        last visit: Fri Oct 24 10:15 CST 2014
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        There was/is a recall on the 98 V70 headlight wiring. The factory added a 6" wire extension to the plug, effectively replacing the "old" plug. If yours was done, or not, look for new wiring at the headlight.
        Are your other lights brighter than they used to be? Is the voltage regulator keeping the alternator output at around 14.7?
        When replacing the bulbs, remember not to touch the lens with anything but a clean soft cloth. Oils from your fingers will kill it.
        If you don't do a lot of rural 2 lane highways, consider keeping the running lights off.

        Klaus
        --
        1975 164 w/174,800mi (Sold) 1995 850T w/91,000mi, 1998 V70R w/129,000mi







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