Volvo headlights dim

Discussion in 'Trucks [ Eighteen Wheelers ]' started by Dna Mach, Dec 26, 2008.

  1. Dna Mach

    Dna Mach Road Train Member

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    Aug 8, 2008
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    has anyone else noticed this ? I have cleaned the outside, thoroughly but have found that my low beams are very weak. They are aimed properly. When being passed by any vehicle at nighttime their headlights far outshine mine to the point of completely drowning out my light ahead.

    I have heard that Halogens fade out over time, don't know if that is correct, but even when the truck was brand new I recall them being weak as well.

    Just wondering if anyone else noticed this and/or better yet, has cured it.
     
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  3. Hyper

    Hyper Light Load Member

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    Nov 28, 2008
    Kingwood, Tx
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    I run a Volvo 780. Check the voltage to your lights. I think you are getting less then what you need. Replacing the fuse with a brand new one might help as well. What yr is the truck? Taking it back to volvo or replacing the bulbs might work as well.

    Good luck.
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Dec 26, 2008
  4. Dna Mach

    Dna Mach Road Train Member

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    Thanks Hyper. It's an 07. Yea that makes me think that voltage is the culprit. Reason being, Volvo seems to have this crazy idea that the truck they build should come equipped with four batteries. But my company thinks that three will get the job done and pulls out the fourth. I have no idea why they do this ($$$) I thought the batteries started it and then the alternator took over so this theory of mine should be incorrect.

    I have driven a few of my companies trucks and have noticed some them seem to have sufficient lighting and others don't. Maybe those have the fourth battery in.

    This is a very annoying problem and it sure would be nice to fix it.
     
  5. Hyper

    Hyper Light Load Member

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    Kingwood, Tx
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    Dna,
    I posted a link to the Volvo Trucks Community page for you. Got an infraction for the effort. You will have to find it for yourself and can do so with Google. When you do, ask them about this. They have actual engineers on the site with some very insightfull answers.
     
  6. Dna Mach

    Dna Mach Road Train Member

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    Thank you very much for that useful tool.

    I too received an infraction once for linking to another forum. oops, I can see why but I guess ANY website that has a forum, tucked away in the lower left corner, is off limits.

    Thanks again, I will see what I can find out over there.
     
  7. Rookie O/O, vet driver

    Rookie O/O, vet driver Light Load Member

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    Oct 17, 2008
    Port Clinton, Ohio
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    This reply is simply to get in the lighting loop. I, too, have the same problem with a 2006 670. And was coming here to ask about it.
     
  8. OverDrive

    OverDrive "A Watchman on the Walls"

    Previous post other thread:

    [FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]In general, Volvo has always used ‘plastic’ lenses on their trucks since the 90’s. These lenses get scratched and pitted during normal driving & cleaning, and affect light performance. In the latest style of Volvos, the lens is not only plastic, but is optically-formed to produce a “hood of light.” From the factory, on everyone that I have driven (slip trucks weekly) the ‘Dim’ mode provides barely enough light to see beyond about 40 yds!! The ‘hood’ is so well defined that no ‘other’ light is allowed to light up the road ahead of the driver. I consider this dangerous and unsatisfactory! I was trained and do drive looking 1/8 to ¼ mile up the road so as to see things (gators, deer, stopped vehicles, etc.) and can start anticipating a response ASAP! The lights used in the Volvo are a Hi-intensity single bulb (about $60/ea at a dealer).

    The light fixture can be adjusted by the driver to resolve---if taken back to the factory will get original unsatisfactory performance! With tractor hood open and lights ‘on,’ there is an access hole at the rear of the headlight assemblies that will adjust vertical positioning. The adjustment is a threaded shaft with a hex bit at the end. A 3/16” socket is required to make this adjustment. CW (clockwise) adjustment will raise the light positioning. I have found from doing this (about 10+ times) that you will need to make about 10--½ turns (5 turns total) to get satisfactory performance. I say ½ turns, because unless the driver has an extension for the socket, space is restricted. I use a ‘screwdriver handle’ with a socket universal to connect to the socket.

    I have tried placing a ‘mark’ or object in the middle of the light beam as the headlight is aimed down to the ground with hood open, but cannot really discern any significant change while adjusting. Some trial & error. But, have never been ‘flashed’ by other drivers from doing this. Result, good lighting up the road with the ‘hood’ system to 200+ yds and no over-spray of light to oncoming traffic.[/FONT]
     
    NWMAXI and Travelinman Thank this.
  9. bill perry

    bill perry Bobtail Member

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    Mar 20, 2010
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    The problem with poor visability with the Volvo head light low beam is a simple problem with an expensive fix. The problem is that the chrome reflector/projecter on the low beam head light is of such poor quality that the heat from the bulb removes the chrome coating from the plastic reflector. No chrome. No projection. All of the polishing and aiming in the world will not repair the problem. Replace the assembly.
     
    Alb1982 Thanks this.
  10. Baraban

    Baraban Bobtail Member

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    Jun 20, 2010
    Sac-town, CA
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    That is true, and that's what I had in my 630 :Panel truck:. I had to remove the chrome reflector to find out. Dealer suggest to buy new headlight assembly for $360 x2:Transportation cost.
    :Wrench:Sense my headlights are made for H11 bulb, I went on the internet and bought Xenon HID(High Intensity Discharge) kit for about $80 to replace my regular H11, 50watt bulbs with H11 HID bulbs+ballast. Now I dont even need the reflection to light up the road. Just make sure that headlights are adjusted to the position that is supposed to be in order not to blind oncoming traffic.
     
  11. rambler

    rambler Road Train Member

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    I drive an 07 and can hardly see at night due to the pi$$ poor design or whatever. Volvo REALLY should have to be made to re-call these assemblies as the factory defect they really are.
     
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