Lights Permanatly on - V40

I have just bought a V40, and the headlights are permantly on, either theres
a setting within the car ive not spotted (havent got a manual) or the dusk
sensors bust

any one help me shed some light on this either way - and if its a dusk
sensor bust, anyone have any experience of how much this cost, and what kind
of job they are to replace


All the best

John

 

Er, it's a Volvo !!
Those lights are called day-running lights, and make you a lot more visible,
even in bright sunshine. Basically, the dipped-beam headlights are intended
to be permanently on whenever the ignition is on, unless you switch to
parking lights. In the UK, it's an offence to drive with just parking lights
on, so please don't do it.(rule 93, or RVLR regs 24,25) I know about 70% of
other drivers do.

As far as I'm aware, Volvo have never fitted any kind of Dusk sensor. It's
not a BMW you know !! (thank goodness!).
There is a solar sensor, but this is used for telling the air conditioning
when to allow for extra cooling in strong sunlight, so don't get confused.
Anyway, there is often a way to disable the Day running lights, and in the
V70/S70 range this was via a tiny screw in the bottom corner of the light
switch. You just rotate it a couple of degrees for different lighting modes.
All I can say is: Enjoy the safety features, and leave them operational.

Just for a laugh, my Haynes workshop manual for the S70/V70/C70 says that
the screw in the corner if the light switch is for removing the switch!! NOT
TRUE!!. It just goes to show that they don't dismantle, research, and
re-build cars any more.

Cheers, and hope to help.
Joe in Peterborough.
2000 V70 new shape, 2.5TDI 74,000 miles.
Previous car: 1997 V70 old shape, 2.5 TDI. 250,000 miles.

 

Joe, that was very helpful, im grateful to you for such an informative
response.

I take what you say about the safety features, but I'll also probably have a
bash at your screw turning theory, as Im fed up of the constant reminders
from my fellow UK drivers that ive 'left' my lights on, as this is a unique
feature to Volvo cars in the UK and every other car has manual or dusk
sensing lights which do not operate in the daytime


thanks again Joe, appriciate your time and clearing everything up for me


John

 

Joe, Ive just noticed your are in the UK too, sorry for talking to you like
you dont

 

Joe,
Do you know of any good places to get (Reasonable Price) Volvo Spares in
Peterborough?

Thanks

Simon

 

Hi Simon.
You can buy all parts from the likes of Millfield Autoparts and Eastfield
Discount Autospares, brakes, callipers, filters, e.t.c, but I have to admit,
I always use genuine parts when it comes to these types of spares.
If you want secondhand parts from breakers yards, you need to go to
Ilkeston, Derbyshire, or RJK in London, or perhaps Lea Valley Volvo spares.
See Auto Trader for their full ads, or mail me directly at
joelandyman<at>postmaster.co.uk
I have bought parts like CD Players, Odd Alloy wheels (they inspect them
before sale), and leather seats.

I have bought parts like CV gaitors (boots) from Millfields, and also Shock
Absorbers (Monroe ones), but just be careful what you do buy. Cheap oil
filters don't have the check-valve in them, and cheap (or mixed
genuine-pattern) brake parts will squeal something chronic. Discs and pads
are matched material wise, to prevent brake-squeal.
Often, cheap parts which cost half as much only last half as long, or less,
so choose carefully!

If you need help locally with V70 or S70 items, I have experience with these
cars, all the required tools, and space to work.
I have no problem helping to change suspension components, brake pads,
engine oil or various electrical items. Just ask!
I know it's not always much fun struggling to change bits on your own, and
it gives you more motivation to get jobs done if you have some assistance. I
am a diesel man, so don't ask for help with complex fault-finding on a
petrol! Normal servicing is no problem though.
Cheers for now & enjoy your driving.
Joe.
(South peterborough).