Torslanda Headlights

[neilnelson]

Hi All,

I have a '93 Torslanda that has some lighting issues.

1) The side lights don't seem to be on at all, and the headlights are on all the time.

2) I gather from reading around that these are dimmed usually on a Torslanda (which would begin to explain how dull they are!) but when I move the switch on the dashboard around to turn the regular beam on, nothing happens, they just stay the same.
However, the warning light for faulty lights isn't on?

3) I've looked at the headlights and the reflecting surface is pretty bad - i've seen some fixes for this online, namely chrome tape or respraying the lights silver, any opinions on this?

Does it seem like i just need to check the relays and the bulbs?

[Stephen Edwin]

Some ideas:

Has a bulb been changed and is it correct and is it fitted correctly? Has anything been changed or been worked on in the vicinity of the lights and electrics? Has the wiring or a connector been damaged? Has a connector been re-fiited incorrectly causing wrong connections? Are any connections corroded?

Do check the earth connections. For example if the "side light" earth is corroded or broken, and if that earth is shared with the headlights, then the side light current might be finding its way through the headlight bulbs.

Or you could have a faulty lights switch.

[scooters]

Re the reflector bowl...
Its nigh on impossible to get the beam back to full intensity once the chromium inside starts to go. Best bet is to save your money and replace with new. You won't be disappointed, single best winter improvement you can do IMHO. It will transform the car and it will look 100 times better as well as you'll loose the yellow eye look!

[neilnelson]

Thanks guys, I've got some silver tape kicking around so i'll give that a try first, then price up some new lights.
I'll check all the bulbs too.

I replaced the centre console bulbs this weekend, they worked for about 5 min then went out with a sinister burning smell....

[Paul240480]

I've done the chrome tape thing on my DRLs and its great. Not tried on the headlamps tho'.
Mine were replaced in 2004 (with genuine Volvo items) for LHD ones when I moved to France and re_registered the car.
For the last 3 frenchy MOT's I have been advised that the lamps reflector are 'going home' . He didn't fail it on them last Tuesday but 'suggested' I should replace them.
I'm tempted to give the chrome tape a go on these myself. Would be interested to see how you get, maybe post some pics if you go for it?
If I was replacing I'd give Brookhouse Volvo a shout. Simon there sorted me some LHD ones for my 850, less than 1/2 the price of Volvo ones in 2009 & still look new. Scan-Tech they are... yes their stuff gets some 'iffy' comments but these headlamps seem very good (I've had their wheelbearings & they were made of cheese, lol)
Good Luck

[Derek UK]

http://www.volvoforums.org.uk/showthread.php?t=54565

If they come apart easily so you can try silver tape it'll be easy just to replace the reflectors. Cheaper than replacing the whole unit. The reflector usually starts to "rust" at the bottom so visually the silver tape works well there. The shiny part of the reflector goes cloudy but with a bit of care this can be polished off quite a bit with a micro fibre cloth. Don't be too aggressive or try and get it back to as new. A considerable improvement can be made with only a little effort.
Basically there is no difference at the front between the ignition on running lights and the first position on the lighting switch. When I first got my '92 I did about 25 miles, mostly motorway. Didn't realise until I switched the ignition off that I didn't have any lights switched on.............

[Paul240480]

Thanks Derek, I'd forgotten about that 'how to' .