How to Clean the Headlight Projectors on a Volvo C30 S40 V50 C70

How to clean the low beam projector lights on a Volvo C30. The same or similar procedure should also apply to the S40, V50, and C70 models as well. This is a known problem on these cars unfortunately, over times the low beam performance can worsen and this is typically cause by a couple different issues. Once being a dirty project and the other having the reflector fail. #volvo #volvoc30 #headlights
Website: 4diyers.com
Patreon: / 4diyers
Facebook: / 4diyers
Google Plus: plus.google.com/+4DIYers
Twitter: / 4diyers
Instagram: / 4diyers
Tumblr: / 4diyers
Pintrest: / 4diyers
First you’ll need to remove the headlights, you’ll need to access the rear of the headlights so open the hood. Next there is a metal retaining bar, pull this straight up and remove. Push the headlight out to the side of the vehicle to disconnect the alignment dowel. And disconnect the electrical plug.
Remove the access hatch on the rear of the headlight. Remove the bulb which simply twists and then pull it straight out. Spread the tangs on the rear and disconnect the plug. Considering it’s cold out, plastic tends to be brittle so be extra careful if you’re dealing with the same weather conditions. Inside the light there will be 4 T25 torx screws which need to be removed which holds in the project assembly. This can be done without completely disassembling the headlight.
I did use a screwdriver which can have the tips changed, but I found the profile was too large around the headlight adjuster mechanism so a lower profile torx driver is recommended. A magnetic tip would make this much easier if you have one, but it can be done without it, just don’t allow the screws to fall inside the assembly.
Now remove the projector, a little manoeuvring is needed around the adjustor, wiring and plastic casing. And finally the projector assembly for the low beam is out.
Right away I can see the projector isn’t clear, the glass is somewhat foggy. Using a glass cleaner and a microfiber cloth is really all that’s needed. Spray the cleaner onto the cloth and then clean both the inside and outside portion of the projector lens. I wouldn’t recommend spraying the cleaner on the lens as it may get onto the reflector. These chrome coated reflectors tend to be quite delicate and can damage easily.
When the projector is clean, with a damp area on the microfiber cloth, gently wipe the chrome. My chrome reflector is a little hazy in some spots, but it did seem to clean up a bit. If the chrome is deteriorated, you’ll most likely need to replace the reflector. You maybe able to get away with aluminum tape or a chrome type of heat paint, but the light output most likely won’t be as good as a new reflector. Unfortunately I’m not sure if Volvo offers just the projector assembly, but if they don’t there might be aftermarket options available.
You’ll need to flip the light assembly over and bang out any debris which seems to come from the screws that holes the projector assembly in place.
Reinstall the projector and snug up the screws. The screws only go into a plastic assembly, there’s not need to over tighten them and make sure the wires inside aren’t pinched either.
Reinstall the bulb and plug. And finally reinstall the rear access cap.
Moving onto the next light doing the same procedure.
And now reinstall the headlights back into the car. The lights will sit flush with the body, ensure those alignment dowels on the side are locked into the grommets, then reinstall the metal retaining bar. Check the headlights so they’re functioning correctly.
Thank you to all those who watch my videos and support my content. Don't forget to subscribe to my channel for future tutorial videos and like my video if you found it helpful. New videos are always being uploaded every week!
© 4DIYers 2013
All Rights Reserved
No part of this video or any of its contents may be reproduced, copied, modified or adapted, without the prior written consent of the author.

[@4DIYers]

Amazon Tool Recommendations: amzn.to/3QrjM8c Current retailers partnered with me & coupon codes: eManualOnline website: shrsl.com/3vcz4 Coupon Code: 4DIYERS20 (20% off any order) ECS Tuning Website: bit.ly/46tMpXP Auxbeam website: auxbeam.com/?ref=4DIYERS Coupon code: 4DIYERMR10 (10% off any order) Teslong website: teslong.com Coupon code: 4DIYERS (10% off any order) Lanmodo website: shrsl.com/3vczf Coupon code: LMD4DIYERS (Save $50 off order) Auxito website: www.auxito.com/?ref=xR3VZnDW Coupon code: 4DIYERS (15% off any order) Headlight Revolution website: www.headlightrevolution.com Coupon code: 4DIYERS (Free shipping on all US orders)

[@SuperBombproof]

Very helpful video with clear and to the point instructions 👍👍👍

[@4DIYers]

Thank you :)

[@SMAr2wo]

helpful! thank you for you effort. Even after years, your video still have impact :D

[@THOMASTTWYFORD]

Very helpful!! Thanks

[@4DIYers]

Thank you!

[@Mhfksvbnjf]

great video but i need to know what is that steam is ,i thought it is a dust or steam don't know yeat

[@mihaipop9301]

Thank you so much

[@4DIYers]

Happy to help :)

[@rubenyoranpc]

Is this the same procedure for the HID/Xenon headlights?

[@gregorylichtenson757]

Did everything perfectly..but I have a question? What about the Lens..meaning the Plastic Cover inside side..can that be somehow Cleaned..like a stick with cloth etc..let me know

[@orivera3815]

1st comment woohoo Love your videos and very helpful

[@4DIYers]

Thank you so much, I appreciate the support :)

[@realmouvement]

@4DIYers: Thank you so much for your Video! I have a question for you or any one else that follows you. My headlight is exactly the same on my 2009 s40 2.4i. Is there a way to remove/change the plastic window in the front of the Headlight assembly? I wanted to know if this can be replaced instead of buying a full brand new headlight assembly just for that because mine (driver side/left) has started to cracked from the inside (multiple small cracks / like veins look a like) and I've been told that since it cannot be polished from the inside I should replace the whole assembly with either a new one or trying to find a good condition used one. If so, how can I remove/change it? Thank you & Happy Easter to every one!

[@4DIYers]

No problem and I hope you had a great Easter too! I was about to say I haven't seen a new lens available but a quick search online proves that wrong. Apparently you can buy just the lens. I've never done this, but it's a common process where people put the headlight in an oven, soften up the adhesive for the lens and separate it from the assembly. I believe a heat gun will work too. You may have the same problem with a used unit, unless you were able to pick one up super cheap.

[@realmouvement]

@@4DIYers I did had a good Easter thank you! Also thank you for your reply it is much appreciated. just did a research this morning and indeed with heat gun it would work. Do you know what could cause inside the Galss lens (headlight assembly) to crack? Because for a x reason i got those small lines crack look a like inside in the interior of the headlight where i got the condensation from wich it impossible to polish and it makes the Glass even more fogy because of this. I've been told that it could possibly be because of the gasket or because of a leak , and been told to just replace the whole Headlight... Any opinion on this subject? If i can save few bucks would be great lol Thank you! :)

[@xavierdaru9651]

Mattew Brunel §

[@ghostwrench2292]

Are you sure the cracks are inside the lens? I had similar looking "veins" on my S40 headlights and was able to polish them out from the outside. My headlights are now crystal clear.

[@gregorylichtenson757]

Yep I was Wondering that as well..did you every get an answer about removing and Cleaning outta Plastic Lens

[@pb4travel]

Did this just today. On Volvo v50. One bad thing I managed to get is the right or left lamp one of the screw is blocked by big plastic which regulates the height of the beam. It took me an hour to remove the screw and put it back in later on. Cleaned the lens they were covered with white dust, my reflectors are a bit burnt. Installed Philips white vision halogenas will test out at night. Any tips how to dissasmble the reflectors from the lens? They are not held by screws... Was wondering because thinking to change the burnt reflectors. Thanks in advance

[@DirtRoadie]

I have been tweaking things on a new-to-me 2008 V50. Same problem in a headlight assembly using H11/9005 bulbs. After almost giving up, I decided that a little bit of that plastic would not be missed. I used a soldering iron to melt a half circle recess into the plastic lip that interferes with screw access. Quick, easy and relatively clean. I, too, had the white dust coating and I'm hoping that its removal will give me more useful light even with the stock setup. It is dismal now. And I am pleased that future tweaking will also be easy - like if I want to play with the shape of the cutoff shield. And while I really have no issue with the 9005 high beams, I will defintiely be doing a simple 9011 substitution.

[@ashleythorne5301]

@@DirtRoadie Thank sfor the tip, however on my S40 (2012) the torx head is significantly more obscure and will require a substantial amount of plastic to be removed. I tried undoing the accessible torx with a 3mm ball-nose Allen key, it slips. will try next time with a 1/8" ball nose Allen key, this might work wth a bit of the plastic removed, in order to access the screw head at an angle.

[@kennysanders1028]

How can I program my key fob to signal the receiver? It starts the car but wont lock /unlock. I have a new battery and have carefully /thoroughly cleaned the circuit board. Both my key fobs stopped unlocking /locking the C30

[@mi6koto]

Kenny Sanders I am having exactly the same problem. I checked every resistor to see if any was burned, in the motor compartment as in under the glove box. And also not only the car won’t close/open but I can’t fully open the right side window it opens only 1/5 down.

[@4DIYers]

Sadly I think it's only a dealer option unless you know someone with a subscription version of VIDA. Here's a bit more info on the issue www.c30crew.com/forum/showthread.php?10747-Key-remotes-go-bad&highlight=programming

[@kennysanders1028]

@@mi6koto Same here. I hope our guys can help with this issue.

[@kevinlee5690]

Hello sir, what can i do with the degrading wiring insulation in my v50 headlight? Thanks in advance

[@4DIYers]

Liquid tape would be the best option. The only other option is removing each of the pins from the connectors and slipping on heat shrink.

[@kevinlee5690]

@@4DIYers thanks

[@rodrigonieto7031]

How did you regulate the high of the headlights??? My headlights iluminate the ground :(

[@4DIYers]

There's adjusters on the backside, I have footage for that but I just need to finish it up and then the video will get released.

[@rodrigonieto7031]

4DIYers thanks a lot!!! Its very hard yo find this information

[@marcckosz]

I have the same problem! How did you resolve it?

[@matthewkuhl79]

@@marcckosz there is a white 7mm adjustment nut on the back outside of the housing

[@marcckosz]

matthew kühl thank you

[@gaeroot]

Hey man, little help here... I'm absolutely losing my mind as I cannot seem to be able to unplug the headlights. I have no clue on how to manipulate the clip/latch to get it off. Any advice?

[@4DIYers]

Make sure there is no dirt under the tab you're pushing down on, also push the plug in before pressing down on that tab. A standard screwdriver can also be used to help pry the plug from the connection, just be careful as the plastic can be brittle and break.

[@gaeroot]

@@4DIYers Thanks, worked. Got some fancy halos fitted. Although I noticed after doing the first headlight, the Torx screws produce a lot of dust. I made sure to be careful and knock it out for the second headlight, but my first headlight now has some plastic dust floating around.

[@4DIYers]

You’re welcome! Sounds cool. You could use compressed air or a can if air and a vacuum to help remove that plastic dust.

[@gaeroot]

@@4DIYers Yeah, was about to go to town with an air gun. Thanks for your videos on these niche cars.

[@BoredGeese]

Changed my low beams to LED. Will probably wipe them soon.

[@4DIYers]

How do you like the light output with LEDs?

[@BoredGeese]

4DIYers very, very good!! Highly recommend!Just make sure not to get the bluish light. It should be yellowish to white (3500K-6500K). Just to repeat, it is worth the purchase!

[@4DIYers]

Awesome, thank you for the tips!

[@feilhk]

i have a 2008 v50, there is a screw right under a plastic which is blocked, how do i unscrew it?

[@simasp7189]

Last paragraph: www.volvoforums.org.uk/showpost.php?p=2160453&postcount=213

[@PlanesAndCoffee000]

Gal pats pandei tai daryti?

[@simasp7189]

@@PlanesAndCoffee000 bandziau. Tik reikia atsargiai sukti ta varzta, nes as sulauziau. Jeigu nesisuka lengvai tai reik kokio purskiamo tepalo privaryt ten giliai, nes ten gumine tarpine yra ir per ja stringa.

[@PlanesAndCoffee000]

O kaip ten tą horizontalų reguliatorių surasti ir jį pasukti kad būtų tas varžas prieinamas?

[@simasp7189]

@@PlanesAndCoffee000 išsiimk farą ir bus du varžtai. Viršutinis reguliuoja kampą. Nepamenu į kurią pusę sukt reikia. Geriausia sukti su įkišamu šešiakampiu, nes tie šviesus varžtai dažnai prasisuka.

[@highstyled9649]

Okey that's all fine but u never touch the chrome... It's better to spray it water with soap and destiled water

[@4DIYers]

I did cover the chrome but you just missed it.

[@highstyled9649]

@@4DIYers didn't you wipe it with microfiber?