Low beam failure - Xenon/HID - 2004

[fprintf]

We have a 2004 XC70 with Xenon/HID headlights. Earlier today we received a notice of "Low beam failure", and noted that both headlights were non-operational, including high beam.

Where should I begin in troubleshooting this, apart from bringing it to the dealer for diagnosis? I am hoping it is something simple like a fuse or ballast, but have never played with HID lights before to know. I do know it is not as simple as replacing a bulb!

[Aviator]

Check the wire harnesses that go to either sets of lamps in behind where the bulb covers are; in particular the connectors themselves. If all checks okay there, try operating the headlamp switch in the other positions and see if you get a response.

Dave.

[billr99]

As you probably know by now, it's not likely fuses. The XC has 4 fuses for 4 headlights. Also you have a ballast for each low beam circuit. If both low beams and both high beams are out, then Aviator is probably on target with the suggestion of the switch, that being common to all. Of course, these things are also so dependent on software and there are software settings associated with the lights; therefore, it could be associated with that somehow.

Jeez, you have to be an electrical engineer anymore to fix stuff like this [cussing].

Good luck,

Bill

[dave77]

I'd definitely check the wiring. Are they factory HID's or aftermarket add-ons? The factory bi-xenon's have only one "beam" that is aimed high or low with motors. If the high and low beams are separate, they are not factory.

[VWVespaVolvoinVA]

I had the same problem with my OEM bixenon lights and daytime running lights (DRLs). Both Bi-xenons and both DRLs had suddenly gone out. Because I rarely drive my car, I waited to have the problem addressed until I had to bring the car in for other service.

This week, I took my 2004 XC70 in for its 60k service. While there, I had the independent shop (Bethesda Import Specialist, a Volvo-only place in Bethesda, MD) check out my light problem.

I picked the car up and totally forgot about the light; I was just happy to be out of the 95-degree heat. I looked at the receipt, and they hadn't even charged me for fixing the problem. I called back, and the owner said that his mechanic reported that the fix was a single fuse. Unfortunately, our conversation got cut short due to a work emergency, so I wasn't able to ask about which fuse.

Anyway, it was a simple fix on my car.

Ken

[JJM_SantaCruz]

Had the same issue left headlight go on and off randomly.

Took it in and for $99 diagnostic :confused: was told it was the HID Ballast...

wants $700+ to replace.

anyone know where I can purchase one? stock system 2004 XC70

[gibbons]

For what it's worth, I buy all my parts out-of-state from Jon Reynolds at Borton Volvo in MN. They are always about 40% off what I get quoted locally.

[billr99]

Had the same issue left headlight go on and off randomly.

Took it in and for $99 diagnostic :confused: was told it was the HID Ballast...

wants $700+ to replace.

anyone know where I can purchase one? stock system 2004 XC70

Check eBay. A tonne of ballasts are out there; some junk for sure, but some Phillips, etc. as well. Maybe a compatible one is there and I can pretty much tell you, it won't be $700.

Good Luck,

Bill

[cloudship]

I have had this a couple of times on my 2004. Turned out to be the bulbs. don't know why - suspecting maybe poor ventilation - but the HID and Silvestar both blew out on me after only about a month and a half, at best. So I would double check the bulbs just to be sure.

[jpxc70]

I had the same problem. It was the #1 15amp fuse in the cabin fuse compartment by the drivers side door. Marked Xenon headlights. Hope this helps
We have a 2004 XC70 with Xenon/HID headlights. Earlier today we received a notice of "Low beam failure", and noted that both headlights were non-operational, including high beam.

Where should I begin in troubleshooting this, apart from bringing it to the dealer for diagnosis? I am hoping it is something simple like a fuse or ballast, but have never played with HID lights before to know. I do know it is not as simple as replacing a bulb!

[doncavin]

My '04 XC90 T6 occasionally indicates a "low beam failure" on the drivers side. Indeed, the light is out. I simply switch the headlights off and then back on and the indicator warning goes away and the low beam works again. Any suggestions for troubleshooting?

I have another '04 XC90 T6D where the low beam failure indicator stays on and the light IS out. I have checked the engine compartment fuses and the driver side door panel fuses. All are fine.

Thanks,
Don

[BobTou]

Thanks for posting this fix. I had the same problem and quickly fixed it by replacing the #1 15 amp fuse in the cabin fuse compartment. I was gearing up to spend hundreds of dollars.

[EmperorWatcher]

Similar Issue: Both headlights no longer turn on.. (2004 XC70)

I've checked the fuses, and all seem fine.

The left side low beam HID has been turning off occasionally, but both lights have been mostly ok.

No messages regarding bulbs, or anything else, (that I typically get if anything has failed).

I hear relay clicks when I turn the switch to all positions. All the other lights are functioning correctly.

It appears there are separate fuses for each side, so I have been looking for something that controls both..

What should I be looking for?

Aviator mentions the wire harnesses. Is there one origination point, since both have failed simultaneously. Also, since I can hear relay clicks when turning the switch to different positions, does that indicate that the switch is operating correctly?

THANKS!

[Shiloh51933]

I didn't want to start a new thread on the topic of the factory xenon lighting for our 2004 Volvo XC70 w/Xenon lighting. I must say that this P2 looks nicer with the xenon headlight assemblies and the DRL city lights that turn on during the daytime instead of the low beams. Anyway our R/F low beam doesn't function at all, the DRL's work on both sides, parking lights and turn signals work on both sides. I Tried replacing the bulb with an Osram D2 bulb at first but that wasn't it. I tried swapping ballast/ igniter but nothing, I've checked all associated relays/fuses associated with the R/F low beam and they were all good. I found some diagrams showing the CEM behind drivers knee bolster with a couple of shunts/relays associated with low beam lighting in the P2 model V70/XC70. Anyone know anything about this CEM? In the pic it showed some relays/shunts and I know the lighting is networked into the Central computer. Which relays or shunts are associated with low beams?