2001 V70 Multiple Bulb failures

[sblenkhorn]

I have a 2001 V70 Wagon and I am experiencing a high number of bulb
failures. I just recently purchased the car (2-3 months back) and have
already gone through a set of headlights and 2 rear tail lights. I
have owned MANY cars in the past and rarely do I ever have to replace
bulbs, and most certainly not this common in just 2-3 months. I have
read some past posts about possible electrical problems, or people
simply switching to a different type of bulb... I am wondering if any
one has come across a specific answer as to why this happens and what I
can do to stop it!

Car is awesome if it wasn't for the bulbs going out seemingly every
other week.

Sean

 

[Niels Bengaard]

I have a 2001 V70 Wagon and I am experiencing a high number of bulb

failures. I just recently purchased the car (2-3 months back) and have
already gone through a set of headlights and 2 rear tail lights. I
have owned MANY cars in the past and rarely do I ever have to replace
bulbs, and most certainly not this common in just 2-3 months. I have
read some past posts about possible electrical problems, or people
simply switching to a different type of bulb... I am wondering if any
one has come across a specific answer as to why this happens and what I
can do to stop it!

Car is awesome if it wasn't for the bulbs going out seemingly every
other week.

Sean

Check the voltage on the battery when the car is running, it might be to
high, that is above 14.4 volts.
If so you need to have the alternator repaired.

Niels

 

[Stephen Henning]

I have a 2001 V70 Wagon and I am experiencing a high number of bulb
failures. ... I am wondering if any
one has come across a specific answer as to why this happens and what I
can do to stop it!

I have no bulb problems with my '01 V70 XC. Perhaps your voltage
regulator is bad. You should have it checked. 14.4 Volts is normal
when the engine is running.

 

[jg]

Check the voltage on the battery when the car is running, it might be to
high, that is above 14.4 volts.
If so you need to have the alternator repaired.

That's what was wrong with mine with the same problem, though intermittant
so test it thoroughly. Alternator is the one thing I've had to fix on every
car I've owned. Attually had more luck with generators which only seemed to
need bearings & brushes.

 

[User]

I have a 2001 V70 Wagon and I am experiencing a high number of bulb
failures. I just recently purchased the car (2-3 months back) and have
already gone through a set of headlights and 2 rear tail lights. I
have owned MANY cars in the past and rarely do I ever have to replace
bulbs, and most certainly not this common in just 2-3 months. I have
read some past posts about possible electrical problems, or people
simply switching to a different type of bulb... I am wondering if any
one has come across a specific answer as to why this happens and what I
can do to stop it!

Car is awesome if it wasn't for the bulbs going out seemingly every
other week.

Sean

Typical charging voltage when the car is running, all accessories off,
is about 13.4 to 13.8 volts. Check for bad grounds on the alternator.
Also measure the AC ripple voltage across the battery terminals with the
motor running. It should be in the low 100mV range.

Bob

 

[Stephen Henning]

Typical charging voltage when the car is running, all accessories off,
is about 13.4 to 13.8 volts. Check for bad grounds on the alternator.
Also measure the AC ripple voltage across the battery terminals with the
motor running. It should be in the low 100mV range.

That is awful low. With no load the battery should be about 13.2 volts.
When the engine is running, it should be at 14.4 volts.

 

[Niels Bengaard]

Typical charging voltage when the car is running, all accessories off,

That is awful low. With no load the battery should be about 13.2 volts.
When the engine is running, it should be at 14.4 volts.

You only get 13.2 volts on a fully charged battery. I think the most common
i have measured on cars is around 12.8 volts and it gives you no problems.
Charging voltage is maximum 14.4 volts and normally its lower, around
13.6-13.9 volts. All numbers measured at the battery.

Niels

 

[jg]

That is awful low. With no load the battery should be about 13.2 volts.
When the engine is running, it should be at 14.4 volts.
--

Mine measured about 14.5 volts when I got the electrician onto it and
stopped blowing globes.