2007 xc low beam replace; are you kidding?

[twooldvolvos]

Forum,

I just replaced my 2007 XC70 passenger side low beam bulb and I have to say either the engineers were high when they designed the replacement option or I am missing something.

My 1990 Volvo 240 headlights are a breeze to change but this thing was almost impossible. I had to try to reach into a little hole and twist the bulb out and then back in. Almost impossible.

Please tell me I am missing something.

Any advice appreciated.

twoOldVolvos

[95SE]

I am not sure how to help, but I will try.

Remove dust cap thing, 1/4 turn
Push on wire (thick as a paper clip) and move to the side to free it
Remove bulb
Replace bulb and push wire back to lock it in.

The dust cap has writing on it to tell you its orientation.



now I cannot replace the front turn signal bulb (orange bulb). I can't figure out how to get at it without removing the whole assembly from the car or finding someone with elf hands.

[TiredGeek]

I think in VADIS it goes something like this:

Take off the entire front of car, bumper etc.
Take headlights out.
Change bulbs.
Refit lights, bumper and all the other bits you had to take off.
Hand customer massive bill for something that should be easy.

Clearly designed for dealers to make some money

[Ozzie]

I gave up trying to replace any of the bulbs - except license plate. I take mine to my dealer and have never been charged for replacing any lights.

[TiredGeek]

I take mine to my dealer and have never been charged for replacing any lights.

Bloody hell, you're lucky. My stealer wanted to charge me almost £200 ($330US) parts and labour to replace a xenon bulb until I pointed out the car was still under warranty.....

It's never darkened their door since

[VolvoHSV]

I know that I change these bulbs often and daily for customers but, replacing that bulb isn't too terrible. My advice to you is, if it seems daunting, try and look it up on YouTube. Most of the time, someone's already tried to do what you need done and is willing to document it! Let me know if I can be of any help.

[StuntmanMike]

VVFL, thanks for the great writeup! I just finished replacing the bulb and you saved me a lot of head scratching!

[Froggy]

Hi 95SE, regarding the "elf hands", yes you are correct, I have recently replaced the turn signal bulb assembly and it was quite a challenge but managed it get it back in the correct spot. Turn signal was intermittent, tried to replace the bulb only, no joy, had to replace the complete assembly and like magic it worked. Froggy

[Swagger XC]

You should try replacing the turn signal lights. They are even harder!

[tgwillard]

Read the owners manual for my 2006 XC70 and studied the diagram for replacing the low beam bulbs. I found that the manual is incorrect and apparently there was an upgrade or change. Some years ago the dealer replaced the wiring harness due to a problem with the old harnesses overheating. Perhaps that is why the actual mounting of the bulb is different from the manual.

Anyway I gave up trying to do it myself and took it to the dealer. Both low beams replaced for $75.00.