When you install Xenon HID lights (Xenon retrofit / conversion) in your Volvo Volvo S60 (2000 to 2010), S80 (1998 to 2006), V70 (2000 to 2007), XC70 (2000 to 2007) or XC90 (2003 to 2014), a “Bulb Failure Dipped Beam” WARNING message will appear on the board computer.
This is due to the xenon lamps draw less current than the normal 55W bulb, so the computer thinks that the lamps are faulty and the warning message appears.
The easiest way to fix this is to modify the resistor that controls the headlamps, wich is located in the CEM (Central Electronic Module). The modification consists in driling a hole of 2mm (1mm drill) in the resistor, just follow the tutorial bellow to solve it!
Step 1. The CEM location is in the interior of the car, above the pedals on the left. Start by removing the cover under the dashboard. Using a T25 Torx screwdriver remove the 2 screws marked “A” in the image below.
Step 2. Move the OBD2 connector to the side to gain better access to the CEM. Just remove the 2 T25 Torx screws marked “B”.
Step 3. Now you will have clear view to the CEM. The headlamps resistor is the lower one (marked with C in the image). Just push it from the CEM to remove it (just like you do in a normal car fuse).
Step 4. With the resistor on your workbench, use a 1mm drill to a hole in the second groove above pin 3. Check the images below for the exact spot of where you need to drill.
Be sure to use a 1mm drill. Other tutorials refer to 2mm drill, wich is not correct. If you use a 2mm drill you’ll damage the resistor and the lights won’t turn on.
If you happen to damage the resistor you can buy another one from Volvo or from a used car parts dealer. The Volvo part number for it is 9442190
Step 5. Install the resistor back on the car and turn on the headlights.Confirm that the warning message disappeared. Put the OBD2 port back on it’s place, install the cover and you’re done!
This tutorial is suitable for the following model years:
- 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009 Volvo S60
- 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007 Volvo V70
- 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007 Volvo XC70
- 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004 and 2005 Volvo S80
- 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014 Volvo XC90