Recently, my left turn signal started blinking too fast, but all the bulbs appear to be working. I thought the fast blink was an indication that a bulb has burned out. Is this the infamous "bulb socket" defect I've read about on the BrickBoard? I thought they had fixed it for MY 2000?

Thanks in advance for the help.

Hey,

I had to replace both front blinker bulbs once since April '99. I just bought replacement bulbs at Pep Boys, and they haven't burnt out again.

I DID see that the bulb and socket had a little carbon-scoring (Star Wars term!) on 'em. The dealer was actually surprised that just the bulbs had taken care of it. Maybe I'll have 'em replace the sockets at the imminent 30k service.

Nick:

Good luck on getting them to replace something that has not failed, even though we all know the sockets will fail.

Both of my front ones have been replaced, one at a time, but they had to fail first.

It took two trips to dealer as a result.

In my view the problem is the socket which does not have enough force on the contacts to make a good connection. After the first one failed, I looked at the socket and the contacts were very weak.

Rich

Hi,

I agree with the board that the bulb wire is too small for this and in burns at the contact points.

My solution is simple.

Remove the bulb.

Using a hook or tiny screwdriver, pull the outside wires (there are 2 wires) out a bit. This ensures tight contacts with the sockets.

Install the bulb with a trace of wheelbearing grease on both sides to prevent rust.

It works great for me the last 2 years.

cn

I experienced this with both the left and right turn signals. Dealer replaced them under warranty 1 year ago and have not had any probelms since.

Jack,

did they replace the whole unit (with lens etc.) or just the socket?

Thanks,

Vadim.

They replaced the socket and bulb. The lens was OK.

Get use to changing the bulbs but make sure you remove the front corner lamp assembly by pressing down the tab inside the engine compartment or you will break the plastic tab.

You will probably start changing all of your bulbs every other month from now on. I fixed the problem, I just sold my 98 T-5 after this and other annoying problems.

Jeff S.

nt

Jeff, If you sold your Volvo, why do you still hang around a Volvo web site, telling people they will have to get used to changing their turn signal bulbs every other month....or to get used to the check engine light coming on?

So what are all these "annoying problems" that you fixed by selling your Volvo?

No offense, but it sure sounds like a bad case of "cry baby syndrome" to me!

Steve Ferraro

Hoboken, NJ

I want to educate people so they hear not only the "proud" positives but reality. If you look back, my check engine light wasn't an issue for me, try:

New Alternator

New Battery

New Steering Rack, leaking

New Seat rails, I weigh 200, my wife 115 this shouldn't happen

2 New Radios

Numerous bulbs and sockets Volvo sent me a case of each, I guess they have a problem

Intercooler oil drip

As I mentioned in previous emails, yes a great engine in the T5, seats, when they don't rock and brakes. But, only if the little things didn't add up to wasted time and agravasion I would still own this car.

Oh and by the way, why do you think the VIP Warranty terms were changed???? I guess Volvo is fed up with their problems and is losing too much money.

I'll keep driving my 1995 Saab 9000 Super CS with 188,000 miles and great customer and dealer support when there are any issues or questions that come up. Saab believes that there are rules but, the customer always comes first. Possibly Volvo should follow their Sweedish friends and follow after them. If this happens maybe Volvo will be what Volvo was back in the old days!!!!!

Jeff

Jeff, No car is perfect....they all have problems in one area or another. I think with Volvo it is more where you get your car serviced that will matter. If you have a good dealer service dept, and its not too far away from your home(these things sould be thought about LONG before you buy the car)they will do everything in their power(and thats quite a bit BTW)to make you happy. I been with the same dealer service dept for over ten years, and I NEVER had to call VCNA, or Volvo cust. service for anything....not once...this is with my last two cars.

We live in a VERY well informed age of car buying now, and I think most people know the qurks of the make they are looking at *before* they buy in.

I just cant see how you can think all Volvos will have the same exact problems your car had, or why you would cry so loudly.....it just dont add up........?

Like I said ALL cars have their problems......its how they are delt with that makes or brakes the deal.

Steve F.

Hoboken, NJ

No such luck....the TS bulbs are also corner markers, and have two filments in each one. You need to go to the dealer for a free fix(new bulbs & sockets), but the problem could come back.

I bought a set of the "glass base" TS bulbs from IPD, and after using some di-electric lube in the new sockets from my dealer, I installed the IPD bulbs......been about six months now, and they are holding up like champs.

good luck,

Steve Ferraro

Hoboken, NJ

Tony,

The answer to your question is yes.

The bulb and/or socket have a ground contact that is too small for the application. The condition is aggrivated by a contact point that is too loose as well.

Solution: Replace the bulb irregardless, but check the contact on the socket as well. If there is any indication of overheating, have the dealer replace both the bulb and socket, both sides, under warranty. Then, go to the IPD web site and get a hold of the glass-base replacement bulbs, and install the new ones with a bit of Vaseline or dielectric grease, and the problem is gone forever.

I'm an engineer, so I might get a bit carried away, but problems like this never occur more than once with me.

Just an aside, but the original Lexus LS-400 had exactly the same problem, but theirs was so bad that the lamps melted the tail lamp assembly as well.

Regards,

Mike Harris in Sandy Eggo