V70: Electrical Question on MY09 V70 with Active Bending Lights

[Niw756]

Hi all,

I have a 2009 volvo v70 2.4 D5 SE Lux which has the active bending lights, im driving to france with the family soon and have a few questions as i cant find any info on here.

1. Are all active bending headlights xenon? im trying to work out if mine are, they look like xenons in that they have a half dome optic in the unit, does that make it a xenon?
2. What bulbs would i need to replace mine as i have to carry spares in the boot, are these H7's that "car parts for less" are telling me when i input my reg no?
3. What other bulbs would you recommend i carry as spares i.e. sidelights etc and what are they?
4. I assume my headlights have the adjusting lever for using in europe built inside the housing unit i just need to figure out how to access it?

I was hoping to go onto a website like www.carpartsforless.co.uk and just buy a kit to take with me but im a little stumped. and need some help.

If someone could post up some bulbs codes and links with pictures that would really help me as i dont fancy going to volvo ive already spent a lot on my car this year.

Any help is appreciated.

Cheers

Nathan

[berrymanuk]

Hey there and welcome

There are a couple of pages in the back of the owners book that tells you what bulbs you need.

It sounds like you have bi-xenon headlights. By that, I mean the "domed" ones are the xenons, and the main "inner" bulbs should be H9s. Mine are. Quick way to tell, it'll have an L-shape connector..

I've had the same problem with parts for my S80. These part places think Xenons are standard on my 07MY but I've got the plain H7/H9 setup.

We bought a standard spare bulb kit from Halfords before we set off for France last year, also taking two hi-vis jackets and two breathalizer kits.

Hope this helps!

[tt82]

Yes, all ABL headlights have a Xenon dipped beam. Here is my guide for changing the bulbs which should answer most of your questions.

I plan on updating this guide with how to convert the lights to LHD soon.

[Niw756]

thanks, just found these at £58 each

http://www.hids4u.co.uk/osram-d1s-4100k-bulb.html

Originally Posted by tt82

Yes, all ABL headlights have a Xenon dipped beam. Here is my guide for changing the bulbs which should answer most of your questions.

I plan on updating this guide with how to convert the lights to LHD soon.

[Niw756]

Thanks guys much appreciated

[GrantA]

Here's a guide on how to alter your headlights to dip to the right for continental driving. http://www.volvoforums.org.uk/showthread.php?t=73468 Actually the beam flattens and only has a small kick up to the right, well it does on my car!!

A couple more tips on driving in France if you haven't been there recently:

Carry your vehicle documents with you in the car at all times, driving licence, insurance certificate (green card if you have one), MoT Cert and your V5 or at least a very good copy showing your address in UK.

Hi-vis gilets must be accessible from inside the car not stuffed in the boot.

The French authorities backed down on the breathalyser kits after it was contested in the French courts but if you have them take them with you.

If you have a GPS ensure that all the info referring to speed cameras in France has been removed, it is illegal to have that info on your GPS although that is a difficult one for the Gendarme to enforce. Most GPSs now download the info as "danger areas" and that is acceptable.

Lastly if you approach a "STOP" sign and there is no traffic about do stop as the Gendarme hide and will jump out and get you. The fine for failing to stop is 1,500€ and it can be an on the spot fine!!! They also hide with their radar guns and they don't always wear hi-vis jackets so you don't see them easily so try and stick to the speed limits!!!

We lived in France for 7 years and only came back last year so all this info is current.

Enjoy your holiday, the roads are generally quiet and the scenery can be fantastic.

PS. Forgot to mention you need to carry a warning triangle as well. For French residents the French Gov even stipulate the size and shape to "Conforme a la Norme Francaise" but for visitors from any other country whatever you have in your car is fine.