Headlight query, please help!

Jessicanvlad · Dec 31st, 2013, 11:04

Hi,
I have an s40 late 2009 model. Last year I had to change the left low beam headlight as it had blown and I couldn't stand that annoying light and message for very long.
I changed it myself and all was fine. The same one blew yesterday and I got a new bulb and duly replaced it with slightly less swearing than last time because it's easier when you know what you're supposed to be doing.
All went well then as soon as it switched on the engine the new bulb lit up but the otherr bulb on the right low beam blew.
Was this just a weird coincidence? Should I just go and replace the right one now or is there likely to be a problem with the wiring or something?
Thank you!
X

SonyVaio · Dec 31st, 2013, 11:23

Sounds about right!

You will often find that when one bulb goes the other is pretty close behind it.

If you were to buy a Volvo long life bulb you will find you will get far longer out of the bulb itself. If you are just buying a standard cheap replacement of generic Halfords bulb then these won't last very long - approx. 12mths.

Jessicanvlad · Dec 31st, 2013, 18:13

Thank you very much for your quick reply! Much appreciated.
Happy new year!
X

stevie a · Dec 31st, 2013, 18:45

Remember Never ever touch the glass

this will cause condensation and reduce the life of the bulb.

Missing Lincs · Jan 1st, 2014, 09:56

I always wipe the glass with an alcohol wipe to remove any trace of grease or contamination, even if you haven't touched it, I think its still worth doing to get the best life out of the bulb.

Probably not the case here but worth checking, especially as the car gets older and the bulbs have been changed a few times; make sure that the electrical contacts inside the plug are tight. If necessary, nip them up with pliers. Loose contacts will get hot due to the extra resistance, this then causes expansion and can also oxidise the surface of the contact which then gives even more resistance. The heat will cause new bulbs to fail very quickly and can melt the plastic parts of the plug. Eventually if left, the bulb and plug will need replacing.

IainG · Jan 1st, 2014, 12:17

Hi
On my V50 whenever a bulb has blown the other one has blown within 2 days.
Has happened 3 times.(over 5 years)
Iain

Dec 31st, 2013, 11:04	#1
Jessicanvlad New Member Last Online: Oct 5th, 2016 20:38 Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Dewsbury	Headlight query, please help! Hi, I have an s40 late 2009 model. Last year I had to change the left low beam headlight as it had blown and I couldn't stand that annoying light and message for very long. I changed it myself and all was fine. The same one blew yesterday and I got a new bulb and duly replaced it with slightly less swearing than last time because it's easier when you know what you're supposed to be doing. All went well then as soon as it switched on the engine the new bulb lit up but the otherr bulb on the right low beam blew. Was this just a weird coincidence? Should I just go and replace the right one now or is there likely to be a problem with the wiring or something? Thank you! X

Dec 31st, 2013, 11:23	#2
SonyVaio VOC Member Last Online: Feb 26th, 2016 19:58 Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Exmouth	Sounds about right! You will often find that when one bulb goes the other is pretty close behind it. If you were to buy a Volvo long life bulb you will find you will get far longer out of the bulb itself. If you are just buying a standard cheap replacement of generic Halfords bulb then these won't last very long - approx. 12mths.

Dec 31st, 2013, 18:13	#3
Jessicanvlad New Member Last Online: Oct 5th, 2016 20:38 Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Dewsbury	Thank you very much for your quick reply! Much appreciated. Happy new year! X

Dec 31st, 2013, 18:45	#4
stevie a Member Last Online: Oct 21st, 2017 21:19 Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Glasgow	Remember Never ever touch the glass this will cause condensation and reduce the life of the bulb.

Jan 1st, 2014, 09:56	#5
Missing Lincs Premier Member Last Online: Jun 12th, 2024 08:53 Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Louth	I always wipe the glass with an alcohol wipe to remove any trace of grease or contamination, even if you haven't touched it, I think its still worth doing to get the best life out of the bulb. Probably not the case here but worth checking, especially as the car gets older and the bulbs have been changed a few times; make sure that the electrical contacts inside the plug are tight. If necessary, nip them up with pliers. Loose contacts will get hot due to the extra resistance, this then causes expansion and can also oxidise the surface of the contact which then gives even more resistance. The heat will cause new bulbs to fail very quickly and can melt the plastic parts of the plug. Eventually if left, the bulb and plug will need replacing.

Jan 1st, 2014, 12:17	#6
IainG Premier Member Last Online: Jun 18th, 2024 21:33 Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Plymouth	Hi On my V50 whenever a bulb has blown the other one has blown within 2 days. Has happened 3 times.(over 5 years) Iain

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