98-00 headlight switch recall

I first saw this in the Canada Extra section (not listed in the recalls
in the "American" part) of Consumer Reports about 2 weeks ago.
Surprisingly, I just got a letter from Volvo Canada asking me to bring
my car in for headlight switch inspection.

"Volvo Cars of Canada Ltd. (Volvo) has decided that a defect related to
motor vehicle safety exists in the headlight switch of certain model
year 1998-2000 S70, V70, C70 and V70XC vehicles. In some cases, the
connections in the headlight switch may deteriorate. If this occurs the
headlights will not function and a loss of visibility may occur,
increasing the risk of a crash."

There was a recall on these switches already - back in 1998 when I first
got my V70. However then I was told that the recall did not apply to my
car. The funny thing is the headlight switch doesn't really do
anything, because of our daytime running light laws here in Canada.
Most of the switches are just left in the full headlight position, and
they're still falling apart! Now 6 years later it's finally obvious to
Volvo, that even their "improved" switch was no good. (In the off or
"0" position, the dash lights and high beams don't work, but headlights,
corner lights and taillights are all on. In the park position, all
lights are on, but the high beams don't work and the parking lights stay
on when the ignition is turned off.)

P.S. If you've already paid to have this fixed at the bottom of the
letter it says, "If you previously paid to have this corrective action
performed, Volvo will honor (American spelling!) your receipt with a
refund. Please contact your authorized Volvo retailer for details."

--
Mike F.
Thornhill (near Toronto), Ont.

Replace tt with t (twice!) and remove parentheses to email me directly.
(But I check the newsgroup more often than this email address.)

 

Thanks Mike for this info. My 98 s70 head light switch is shot. Sometimes
the headlights come on, sometimes the parking lights only, now nothing.
The only way to keep the headlights on is to push in on the light switch
(with the knob detached). This is a huge safety hazzzzzard, particularly
in morning/evening rush traffic. I'll be taking your memo to the Volvo
dealer tomorrow. Will keep you posted. Thanks again drum