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Headlight wiring in the shell. Insulation falling off. V70-XC70 2008

posted by  Erwin on  Tue May 9 10:23 CST 2023
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last visit: Thu Oct 23 10:39 CST 2014
[RELATED]


The left low beam in my wife's 2008 V70 failed so I bought a pair of H11s to replace both sides. Pulling the headlight module is easy, as is popping the bail and back cover off to access the lamps.

What I found was shocking (bad pun). The wiring to the lamps had shed most of its insulation. Touching it would have bits falling off. The wire looks to be too small a gauge for the lamps also. I did my best to tape up the bare wires but it appears that the only solution is to replace the entire assembly. Something I've thought of doing since the lenses are very yellowed. No wonder aftermarket assemblies cost $250 each. Oy.

Erwin in Memphis

745T M46 gone
945T gone
855T gone (my favorite)
C70 gone (thank God)
V70 Still kicking







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    posted by  someone claiming to be on  Wed Dec 31 18:00 CST 1969 [RELATED]

    If you have decent soldering skills you could cut the wire past the problem and add a long piece of shrink tubing to cover the offending length of wire and the soldering location.



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    posted by  someone claiming to be on  Wed Dec 31 18:00 CST 1969 [RELATED]

    Hi Erwin,

    I found the wire insulation baked in my 850, a result of the enclosure being an oven with the halogen heaters. The only advantage is that it would help melt ice in the winter.

    I switched to LED headlights that you can replace the same way.
    Better light, Less heat, Lower current draw, less drain on the alternator.
    The price has come way down too.
    Here's one good brand: https://www.ebay.com/itm/125404880033

    Check around to see if glass E-code lenses are available for your car.
    I found them for my 850. They are much better than DOT.

    Good luck, Bill



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      posted by  someone claiming to be on  Wed Dec 31 18:00 CST 1969 [RELATED]


      I have the same headlight in my XC70. I checked into this after seeing your post on the subject in the RWD forum. Low beam is where I would like more light and I was willing to try LEDs. Unfortunately, the cooling fan on the LED replacements makes it impossible to refit the back cover of the headlight assembly and you don't want to leave that off.

      Also, I cannot understand why you steer people to these ebay vendors when LED replacements by known and trusted manufacturers of lighting products such as Phillips, Sylvania, Hella, etc. are available at any auto parts store.


      --
      '79 242, '84 DL 2 door, '80 DL 2 door, '89 DL Wagon, '15 XC70 T6 AWD



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        posted by  someone claiming to be on  Wed Dec 31 18:00 CST 1969 [RELATED]

        Hi Bulletproof,

        I've been using LED headlights since they first came out and have battled with
        over sized LEDs and bulky harnesses and drivers that need to be stuffed into
        the headlight enclosure (850).
        Many LED's wont fit because they are too big.
        There are newer LED packages that fit in without any hassle.

        What LED package did you try?
        Did you verify fitment with the seller before you plunked down your dough?
        Then if it doesn't fit it's on them.

        Retail stores are generally overpriced and/or years behind on new products.
        Ebay offers the same products you get in retail stores plus the latest items.
        So you simply look for a better price where you can find it for any product.
        Competition drives prices down.

        There's cheap junk and top end stuff at Ebay.

        Many Ebay LED seller spec sheets are a works of fantasy (BS to you and me)
        especially lumen output and often power dissipation.

        I suggest Ebay because it's often, (not always) the cheapest pricing.
        Make sure the seller has free returns and if the LED doesn't fit send it back.
        Or it doesn't reach the easily measured power consumption value as advertised
        send it back.

        Ebay isn't always your friend, but their warranty and return policy is.
        Get a screen shot of every transaction to keep them honest.

        Bill



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          posted by  someone claiming to be on  Wed Dec 31 18:00 CST 1969 [RELATED]


          There are newer LED packages that fit in without any hassle.

          That's encouraging. But how do I know which ones will work? I really don't want to do this trial and error process. I want to buy something I know will fit, work properly and not cause other problems.


          What LED package did you try?

          I didn't try any of them. Some, not all, online sellers would include a disclaimer to the effect that the product may not fit all applications. The well known brand names that I mentioned earlier either didn't list the H11 for my application or specifically stated that they would not fit. In comparing the halogen bulb to the LED bulb it seems pretty obvious that the cooling fan protrudes further from the back of the bulb than the plug on the halogens. And that's what prevents re-installation of the back cover.

          There are other drawbacks which you pointed out in another thread in the 200 forum.

          Now I see some LED replacements that are similar in construction to the H11 halogens. That is, they are L shaped which suggests they might fit. But they have fins to dissipate heat. This seems less efficient than using a fan. In either case it leads me to wonder, where does the heat go? The bulbs in this headlight assembly are completely enclosed.

          The solution would be a redesigned back cover for the assembly that would allow for the heat to exhaust. I doubt that will happen.

          I'll stick with the halogens for now.


          --
          '79 242, '84 DL 2 door, '80 DL 2 door, '89 DL Wagon, '15 XC70 T6 AWD



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            posted by  someone claiming to be on  Wed Dec 31 18:00 CST 1969 [RELATED]

            Hi Bulletproof,

            Each LED seller has a fitment guide and results vary with different sellers.

            Sylvania silver star halogen H11's:
            55 watts per lamp
            1245 lumens per lamp

            Try Lasfit LC-Plus H-11 50 watts/set 5000 lumens/set
            25 Watts per lamp
            2500 lumens per lamp

            If you can believe the specs: These LEDs make 2X light using 1/2 the power.

            I'm using the LC-plus 9003 H4 HB2 series in my 940 now with good results.
            It has a fan to keep cool. Heat is the enemy of LEDs.
            Avoid Fanless LED headlights, they'll be low power and shorter life.
            Unlike many sellers, Lasfit is pretty good with their specs.
            $35 shipped from Ebay
            Search for the LC-Plus at Walmart & Amazon also, maybe you'll save a buck?
            Walmart is good with returns if they don't fit.

            You will say goodbye to halogens once you enjoy the better lighting.

            Cheers, Bill


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              posted by  someone claiming to be on  Wed Dec 31 18:00 CST 1969 [RELATED]

              Hi Erwin,

              Here's a good start to cleaning up that wiring mess in your headlights.

              https://www.swedishcarparts.com/parts/1680-h-11-bulb-plug-socket-connector-with-ceramic-core-repair-solution

              They offer glass lenses for various Volvo models.
              Find E-code lenses if you can. Many places offer them.

              Bill



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