V90 Reversing Lights

cassell · Mar 3rd, 2018, 11:42

Hi,

I'm sure there was a previous thread on this but does anyone else feel that the reversing lights on V90 are c**p!

I have to reverse into a dark, fairly narrow driveway at home and with the recent build up of salt residue on the camera it's next to useless along with the reversing lights! I notice that the other SPA vehicles, XC90, XC60and even looking at photos of the new V60, all have their (larger) reversing lights as part of the rear lamp assembly whereas V90 has tiny ones in the inboard 'tailgate' lamp assemblies which carry the rear fog lamps and LED marker lights. I think that they are also 'bulb' type lights and not LED's which also seems a poor design decision.

I know that by feathering the brake lights or switching on the rear fogs gives a bit more 'red' light to assist, but to be honest we shouldn't have to. I've had many Volvos over the years and night-time reversing has never been as tricky as it is in my V90. I shall be bl**dy annoyed if a subsequent facelift for the model addresses this issue, as I bet they won't offer a goodwill FOC upgrade to us original loyal customers!

Any comments or tips anyone?

Paul

Clan · Mar 3rd, 2018, 11:47

Quote:

Originally Posted by cassell

Hi,

I'm sure there was a previous thread on this but does anyone else feel that the reversing lights on V90 are c**p!

I have to reverse into a dark, fairly narrow driveway at home and with the recent build up of salt residue on the camera it's next to useless along with the reversing lights! I notice that the other SPA vehicles, XC90, XC60and even looking at photos of the new V60, all have their (larger) reversing lights as part of the rear lamp assembly whereas V90 has tiny ones in the inboard 'tailgate' lamp assemblies which carry the rear fog lamps and LED marker lights. I think that they are also 'bulb' type lights and not LED's which also seems a poor design decision.

I know that by feathering the brake lights or switching on the rear fogs gives a bit more 'red' light to assist, but to be honest we shouldn't have to. I've had many Volvos over the years and night-time reversing has never been as tricky as it is in my V90. I shall be bl**dy annoyed if a subsequent facelift for the model addresses this issue, as I bet they won't offer a goodwill FOC upgrade to us original loyal customers!

Any comments or tips anyone?

Paul

this type of reverse light is rapidly being adapted by other manufacturers now , citroen , VW for example , They look like LED to me , no harm in wiping your finger over the rear camera lens when you have to reverse , the light given out by the reversing lights may well be picked up well by the reversing camera to give a good image in the dark .

Bernard F · Mar 3rd, 2018, 11:57

You are not alone, the XC60 MY18 is just as bad.

Lexman8 · Mar 3rd, 2018, 12:28

My XC90's reversing lights are totally cr*p. They are the worst reversing lights I've had on any car in years. Definitely a case of form over function. You only have to look at how small the white lens is to see the problem.

Every lamp on the XC90 is LED except the reversing ones which are a non-standard (and very expensive) filament bulb from Philips called Hipervision. IIRC they are about £12 each and Volvo say can only be replaced by a dealer.

volvocamper · Mar 3rd, 2018, 12:51

Every lamp on the XC90 is LED except the reversing ones which are a non-standard (and very expensive) filament bulb from Philips called Hipervision. IIRC they are about £12 each and Volvo say can only be replaced by a dealer.[/QUOTE]

Is there any way to upgrade the XC90 reversing light filament bulbs with an led option to give greater brightness?

S90 · Mar 3rd, 2018, 13:25

The bulbs are PY24W, not that expensive, unless you get them from a dealer, I'm going to yank them all out in the warmer weather and fit LED versions.

cassell · Mar 3rd, 2018, 13:43

Thanks for the feedback Gents, I'm glad it's not just me!

I did wonder about an LED bulb upgrade but no doubt that will trigger some sort of message that will require a dealer VIDA visit to rectify! let us all know if anyone succeeds with an LED replacement.

I remember in 1971 having a Mini Cooper lookalike with a Lucas rally-type reversing light on the boot lid, I'm a bit older and wiser nowadays but somehow that idea may make a come-back haha!

Cheers.

S90 · Mar 3rd, 2018, 13:45

Nah, you wont get error messages if you buy the right bulbs. I'll post info when I get round to sorting it with manufacturer etc.

bobby2000 · Mar 3rd, 2018, 15:12

Quote:

Originally Posted by cassell

Thanks for the feedback Gents, I'm glad it's not just me!

I did wonder about an LED bulb upgrade but no doubt that will trigger some sort of message that will require a dealer VIDA visit to rectify! let us all know if anyone succeeds with an LED replacement.

I remember in 1971 having a Mini Cooper lookalike with a Lucas rally-type reversing light on the boot lid, I'm a bit older and wiser nowadays but somehow that idea may make a come-back haha!

Cheers.

I'm sure my XC60 has led, but they are as useful as a chocolate tea pot.

dghdgh · Mar 3rd, 2018, 21:08

Now I always thought reversing lights were to make other motorists aware of your actions not to light your way.

Mar 3rd, 2018, 11:42	#1
cassell Member since 1988 Last Online: Jun 18th, 2024 19:06 Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Middlewich	V90 Reversing Lights Hi, I'm sure there was a previous thread on this but does anyone else feel that the reversing lights on V90 are cp! I have to reverse into a dark, fairly narrow driveway at home and with the recent build up of salt residue on the camera it's next to useless along with the reversing lights! I notice that the other SPA vehicles, XC90, XC60and even looking at photos of the new V60, all have their (larger) reversing lights as part of the rear lamp assembly whereas V90 has tiny ones in the inboard 'tailgate' lamp assemblies which carry the rear fog lamps and LED marker lights. I think that they are also 'bulb' type lights and not LED's which also seems a poor design decision. I know that by feathering the brake lights or switching on the rear fogs gives a bit more 'red' light to assist, but to be honest we shouldn't have to. I've had many Volvos over the years and night-time reversing has never been as tricky as it is in my V90. I shall be bldy annoyed if a subsequent facelift for the model addresses this issue, as I bet they won't offer a goodwill FOC upgrade to us original loyal customers! Any comments or tips anyone? Paul __________________ 2017 V90 D4 Inscription, Mussel Blue, Amber perforated leather and lots of technology! 1973 1800ES, Gold, Black leather and very little technology!

Mar 3rd, 2018, 11:57	#3
Bernard F Senior Member Last Online: Jul 14th, 2021 14:57 Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: Brentwood	You are not alone, the XC60 MY18 is just as bad. __________________ XC60 T5 MY18 Inscription Pro, Intellisafe Pro, Xenium, Keyless, Silver, Dark windows, Tempa spare wheel.

Mar 3rd, 2018, 12:28	#4
Lexman8 Premier Member Last Online: Today 14:25 Join Date: Feb 2016 Location: Yorkshire	My XC90's reversing lights are totally crp. They are the worst reversing lights I've had on any car in years. Definitely a case of form over function. You only have to look at how small the white lens is to see the problem. Every lamp on the XC90 is LED except the reversing ones which are a non-standard (and very expensive) filament bulb from Philips called Hipervision. IIRC they are about £12 each and Volvo say can only be replaced by a dealer. __________________ MY17 XC90 D5 Powerpulse Momentum:* SENSUS, Osmium Grey, Blond, Walnut, Xenium, BLIS + CTA & RCM, Winter Plus, Fuel-fired Heater, Heated Rear Seats, Power Extensions, Tinted Windows Coming soon: XC60 Ultimate Recharge MY24

Mar 3rd, 2018, 13:25	#6
S90 IT Guru Last Online: Feb 5th, 2024 17:14 Join Date: Jan 2017 Location: Perth	The bulbs are PY24W, not that expensive, unless you get them from a dealer, I'm going to yank them all out in the warmer weather and fit LED versions. __________________ 2023 V90 T6 Recharge AWD Ultimate Dark, Blonde Ventilated Nappa, Thunder Grey, AAOS

Mar 3rd, 2018, 13:45	#8
S90 IT Guru Last Online: Feb 5th, 2024 17:14 Join Date: Jan 2017 Location: Perth	Nah, you wont get error messages if you buy the right bulbs. I'll post info when I get round to sorting it with manufacturer etc. __________________ 2023 V90 T6 Recharge AWD Ultimate Dark, Blonde Ventilated Nappa, Thunder Grey, AAOS

Mar 3rd, 2018, 12:51	#5
volvocamper Master Member Last Online: Today 08:33 Join Date: May 2010 Location: Norwich	Every lamp on the XC90 is LED except the reversing ones which are a non-standard (and very expensive) filament bulb from Philips called Hipervision. IIRC they are about £12 each and Volvo say can only be replaced by a dealer.[/QUOTE] Is there any way to upgrade the XC90 reversing light filament bulbs with an led option to give greater brightness?

Mar 3rd, 2018, 13:43	#7
cassell Member since 1988 Last Online: Jun 18th, 2024 19:06 Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Middlewich	Thanks for the feedback Gents, I'm glad it's not just me! I did wonder about an LED bulb upgrade but no doubt that will trigger some sort of message that will require a dealer VIDA visit to rectify! let us all know if anyone succeeds with an LED replacement. I remember in 1971 having a Mini Cooper lookalike with a Lucas rally-type reversing light on the boot lid, I'm a bit older and wiser nowadays but somehow that idea may make a come-back haha! Cheers.

Mar 3rd, 2018, 21:08	#10
dghdgh Junior Member Last Online: May 2nd, 2020 10:26 Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Teesside	Now I always thought reversing lights were to make other motorists aware of your actions not to light your way.

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