Volvo S40 (2005) - Changing Lights

olewy

Howdy, does anyone here have experience of changing front and rear lights in Volvo S40s (2005 model)? I'm specifically looking for a guide on how to change the bulbs myself and preferably some recommendations on the cheapest places/sites/motor factors to buy whichever bulbs I need. I'd prefer not to have to buy the Haynes manual if possible.

The front left headlight (taking this as if you were sitting in the car) is emitting less light than it should be (noticeable compared to the equivalent front right headlight when out on the road). The corresponding rear left light isn't lit at all. All brake lights & the rest of the lights on the back left cluster work fine. Just wondering as its the same side of the car that's affected in both the front and rear if this is potentially fuse related. Thoughts?

I've never worked on the car before but I'm willing to get my hands dirty with some car DIY & avoid paying stealership (or even Indy prices if avoidable). Any help appreciated.

R.O.R

I'm not 100% sure about the rear lights, but I think you can get behind the carpet in the boot (through a gap that's there) and remove the connector that holds all the bulbs. Just replace the blown one.

The front headlights are really simple to do, but it's difficult to explain......

Under the bonnet, near the headlight, there is the top of a "pin" that holds the headlight in place. Should be a bit of metal that's slightly higher than the other bits on the metal near the headlight. If that makes sense, and you can find it, pull the pin all the way out.

Once the pin is out the whole headlight unit just slides out - might take a bit of wiggling and figuring out whether the front or back comes out first. With the headlight our, just swap out the knackered bulb for a fresh one and put the headlamp unit back. Refit the pin and you are done.

keithclancy

Fook Sake .. Its in the Manual

However its also online in Digital form:

Front lights:
http://new.volvocars.com/ownersdocs/2006/2006_S40/06s40_10b.htm#pg153

(did this myself in a petrol station in Germany in the freezing cold, looks awkward but actually isn't, takes 10 minutes.

Back lights:
http://new.volvocars.com/ownersdocs/2006/2006_S40/06s40_10b.htm#pg156


Even Easier

olewy

Nice one, thanks, any suggestions on the cheapest place to source the parts (bulbs) from?

bazz26

R.O.R wrote: »

I'm not 100% sure about the rear lights, but I think you can get behind the carpet in the boot (through a gap that's there) and remove the connector that holds all the bulbs. Just replace the blown one.

The front headlights are really simple to do, but it's difficult to explain......

Under the bonnet, near the headlight, there is the top of a "pin" that holds the headlight in place. Should be a bit of metal that's slightly higher than the other bits on the metal near the headlight. If that makes sense, and you can find it, pull the pin all the way out.

Once the pin is out the whole headlight unit just slides out - might take a bit of wiggling and figuring out whether the front or back comes out first. With the headlight our, just swap out the knackered bulb for a fresh one and put the headlamp unit back. Refit the pin and you are done.

That's pretty much it. The front headlights on the S40 are one of the most straight forward to change I've experienced. Good thing too as the S40 eats H7 bulbs.

OP, one thing to take note of is when you remove the front headlight unit to change the bulb make sure you lay the unit on a soft surface. I used an old towel, this prevents the lense from getting scratched when you go to remove the bulb from the rear of the unit. Don't have any experience of replacing a rear bulb but I do remember that there is a panel on the inside of boot behind the headlight that can be removed to get at the unit.

Any local motor factors will have the bulbs. I would avoid Halfords if possible, as their bulbs (even their own brand) tend to be expensive.

olewy

Couldn't find the original part (Osram 7825LL....Long Life version) for the rear tail light after phoning a good few motor factors in Dublin & Wicklow.

Settled with the standard version (Osram 7825) instead.
Micksgarage.ie price; €3.50 for pair of 2.
Southside Motor Factors Ltd (http://southsidemotors.goldenpages.ie/) price; €1 each.....no brainer.

El Guapo!

Just be grateful you dont have an s60.......the bumper has to come off to get the lamp out--pain in the arse!