Volvo just released a service campaign intended to prolong headlight bulb life. It involves replacment of both bulbs and the addition of a short wire harness between the headlamp and the car wiring harness. I believe the wiring reduces the voltage to the bulbs. Owners should be notified to visit their dealers to have the work completed. The parts will be allocated to dealers as they become available, and the repair should only take a few minutes

I'm with MikeBox. Last thing I would want is a reduced level of light output. Is there someplace to read the campaign details to determine whether the light output is reduced?

the extra wiring is to make up for a less than expected voltage drop on the main wiring harness, which was causing premature failure of the H7 bulb. The extra wire puts the voltage where it belongs, like 13.23 instead of 13.35. (example, but close) You will not notice any difference in the output of your lights.

Bob:

Thanks for the info but I have a question? If the campaign work really reduces voltage as you surmise why would anyone want that work performed? Just a small amount of voltage drop equates to a huge drop in light output of a headlamp capsule. The USA DOT approved lights are pretty poor anyhow so at least on my V70, I dont think I would appreciate any loss of existing light. I would much rather replace a bulb every now and then--anyhow maybe I'm lucky--nearing 60k miles without a burned out bulb although I do not runt the DRLs.

Did a couple this week. No noticeable reduction in light output. However, I don't have a light meter to test. I merely posted this info for all the people that complain about lights burning out. I replace my porch light bulbs about every 5 weeks, yet I have never complained to the bulb manufacturer about the frequent burnouts. Why does my bathroom light last a year? Light bulbs burn out. Some last longer than others. I'm beginning to think I should replace EVERY bulb on EVERY car at EVERY service, just to avoid the whining customers. I put 2 brakelight bulbs in a car the other day. All lights were working. Then I closed the trunk. A taillight went out. I tapped the lens, it came back on. Oh well, time to replace the porchlight again. Bye.

Thanks, I agree...I not sure where the whining about light bulbs came from. You'd think they cost a week's pay according to some of the comments on the board. Anyhow, think I'll stick with the original wiring scheme and I will replace the headlamps with Ecode units whenever I can find some for less than the cost of a Rolex.

Hmmm,

I think the whining comes from the frequency in replacment fo the bulbs and the annoyance of having to change them. My S70 eats tail light bulbs for breakfast. I have a small stock of them in the trunk and can be found pulled over every 3 months or so changing them in a gas station parking lot.

I dont think that the Retailer really understands that for every 1 lightbulb they change there is another 3 or so that the owner changed.