I just purchased a 2004 S80 and do not like to have the headlights on all the time. In my S90 there was a recessed screw in the panel by the headlight switch that could be adjusted to turn off the runing(head)lights. My volvo dealer wants $80 to reprogram the computer to turn off the lights. I am sure someone out there knows how to do this without being raped by the dealer. You would think after spending almost $30k on a car they would be willing to make the headkight work like "I" want them.

I have driven Volvos for almost 40 years, but gave up on them last year and bought a Toyota Camry. I think the Camry is a better over-all car than anything Volvo has to offer. I aleady have 27K on it and no problems. It will be interesting to see if the S80 holds up as well. The S80 is my wife's car. She thinks they are the best and most safe car on the road. We will see.

If you want to turn off daylight runnings lights on this car, you can now bring to your volvo authorized shop and they can help you. There is a new service software out now for turning off these lights.

I suppose it is a personal thing. I have been driving for almost 3 decades now, and my last three cars have had running lights. I believe the other poster is correct - they are documented to be a valid safety measure. As a former motorcyclist, I well remember that motorcycles have to have the headlight on while in operation, and I was glad for anything to help people know I was there. Stands to reason it would increase visibility under certain circumstances for your car. I have put almost 200k miles on my cars with running lights and don't find bulb life to be much reduced. They are easier to replace than in the old days when you had to replace the whole headlight, hold the chrome retaining ring in place while installing screws, and adjust the aim when done. An admitted disadvantage of running lights is that if you are out robbing houses after dusk, you can't be stealthy and run with your lights off.

Gas milage is ever so slightly reduced due to current draw. It would be interesting to know a figure on this. All this said, I think you should be able to get someone, if they are servicing your car, to reprogram them.

Thanks to all for your responses. I see there are differing views on the runing lights. I guess it is the skeptic in me, but I feel that if one can not see 3 to 5K of steel and glass coming toward you, a couple of headlights in the daytime - especially in sunny south Texas - is not going to make that much difference. With everyone having headlights on it will make even less difference - because it will be common place. Personally I think it is a scheme by the lamp and alternator industry to sell more product.

I fear you will become a perfect example of the "self-fufilling prophecy syndrome" concerning your satisfaction with your "wife's" car. You already got a hardon about your "wife's" car over nothing. Running lights are a proven safety feature and provide no downside. Let her decide if she wants them on. If she doesn't, she can ask the dealer to reprogram,(nicely), when she gets first service work done.
Tex

yeah the headlight issue can only be done by a dealer not by any screw adjuster like the old cars. however i am very suprised that if you bought the car off them they wont do it for free... i would see the manager and kick up a fuss. if you bought it elsewhere then thats the way it is im afraid....

steve.

When I go back to get the registration plates , extra key and remote (which they seem to have lost) I'll will kick up a fuss.

You can do it then or when you go in to have the ETM replaced for $1,000 +. Your wife is right (used to be) that the Volvo is very safe but when the ETM goes on a highway and the car goes from say 75 to 0 (or is that rolling speed), the safety issue becomes kind of stupid.