C30 Body : - Bi-Xenon aim with a mind of its own

2.4TSE · Aug 9th, 2012, 16:31

Last year, my wife's C30 failed its MOT because both dipped beams were too high. The kindly tester adjusted them at no charge and then passed the car. Given that the car was running on original suspension showing no visible signs of sag - and having Bi-Xenons also has auto levelling by law - and you will understand that I was surprised, but accepted it.

Last night I noticed that the dipped beam cut-off point had crept away from the car again, and sure enough, today, the same MOT tester using the same kit repeated what happened last year; fail, adjust, pass.

There is no question that the beam wasn't too high - it was even though other motorists weren't flashing thinking I was on main beam - but what could cause this to happen when considering the suspension and self-levelling remarks I made?

Daim · Aug 9th, 2012, 16:41

The adjusting via MOT tester won't solve the problem, as the lights can still creep upwards...

The xenons need a calibration via the dealership. Head to Volvo with your car and let them check the system. The problems can be many:

- wrong sensor settings
- sensors dirty/broken
- height adjusting motors creeping

My C30 had an advisory this January by the German TÜV, that the right headlight was too high. Headed to Volvo, it was fine and no problems what so ever. Calibration is a thing of 10 minutes... If that.

2.4TSE · Aug 9th, 2012, 20:34

Thanks, Daim.

I'll keep an eye on it, and if it visibly creeps out of adjustment again (both times so far it has been very obvious), head for my local Volvo dealer for calibration to be performed.

Daim · Aug 9th, 2012, 20:37

Mine lost it's calibration for some reason whilst driving. All of a sudden both lights pointed basically to the floor, as if the car was fully loaded!

Aug 9th, 2012, 16:31	#1
2.4TSE Master Member Last Online: Mar 29th, 2024 18:03 Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Stratford-upon-Avon	Bi-Xenon aim with a mind of its own Last year, my wife's C30 failed its MOT because both dipped beams were too high. The kindly tester adjusted them at no charge and then passed the car. Given that the car was running on original suspension showing no visible signs of sag - and having Bi-Xenons also has auto levelling by law - and you will understand that I was surprised, but accepted it. Last night I noticed that the dipped beam cut-off point had crept away from the car again, and sure enough, today, the same MOT tester using the same kit repeated what happened last year; fail, adjust, pass. There is no question that the beam wasn't too high - it was even though other motorists weren't flashing thinking I was on main beam - but what could cause this to happen when considering the suspension and self-levelling remarks I made? __________________ 2003 V70 2.4T SE \| Owned from new \| M56 \| Bilstein B4 \| Nivomats \| BSR PPC \| Ferrita Exhaust \| Poly small bush in lower torque mount 2008 C30 T5 SE Sport R-Design \| Dynaudio \| BLIS \| Winter Pack \| Towbar \| Parking Control \| Keyless \| 18" Atreus

Aug 9th, 2012, 16:41	#2
Daim Brit in Germany Last Online: Yesterday 08:50 Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Bremen	The adjusting via MOT tester won't solve the problem, as the lights can still creep upwards... The xenons need a calibration via the dealership. Head to Volvo with your car and let them check the system. The problems can be many: - wrong sensor settings - sensors dirty/broken - height adjusting motors creeping My C30 had an advisory this January by the German TÜV, that the right headlight was too high. Headed to Volvo, it was fine and no problems what so ever. Calibration is a thing of 10 minutes... If that. __________________ The Best Nation Is Imagination 2010 V70 (Type 135) D5 (D5244T10) Automatic (TF-80SC)

Aug 9th, 2012, 20:34	#3
2.4TSE Master Member Last Online: Mar 29th, 2024 18:03 Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Stratford-upon-Avon	Thanks, Daim. I'll keep an eye on it, and if it visibly creeps out of adjustment again (both times so far it has been very obvious), head for my local Volvo dealer for calibration to be performed. __________________ 2003 V70 2.4T SE \| Owned from new \| M56 \| Bilstein B4 \| Nivomats \| BSR PPC \| Ferrita Exhaust \| Poly small bush in lower torque mount 2008 C30 T5 SE Sport R-Design \| Dynaudio \| BLIS \| Winter Pack \| Towbar \| Parking Control \| Keyless \| 18" Atreus

Aug 9th, 2012, 20:37	#4
Daim Brit in Germany Last Online: Yesterday 08:50 Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Bremen	Mine lost it's calibration for some reason whilst driving. All of a sudden both lights pointed basically to the floor, as if the car was fully loaded! __________________ The Best Nation Is Imagination 2010 V70 (Type 135) D5 (D5244T10) Automatic (TF-80SC)

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