A new 2001 XC owner question.

Light switch, it may be me but I’m having a hard time understanding the use of the light switch (US daytime running lights).

If the switch is in the O all lights off position, the normal lights are on i.e. low beams, parking, license plates. But I can NOT use the high beams. So if day becomes night, I have to switch to headlights on, even though the lights are already on.

If the switch is in the //) (headlights) position, all lights are on (as above) but now I CAN use my high beams.

Using either setting above the lights turn off when the ignition switch is turned off.

I don’t notice that the daytime running lights are using half candle power, they seem as bright as in the normal position.

Soooo why use the lights off position? Or what am I missing?

Thanks in advance

On SOME vehicles, the daytime running lights use less power than do the normal headlights. On Volvos, this is not the case and they use the same brightness. However, the taillights are not lit when the daytime running lights are on. I had mine disabled, because I was afraid that I would drive off after dark, see the headlights were on, and forget that the taillights were not. Seems like an unsafe "safety" feature to me.

First I would say check your owners manual on this. Now what I did on the lot when I picked up my new Volvo a year ago was this.....just turn the small slotted screw head(i think to the left), and disabled my DRL’s. Now the lights work just like the good old days....on when I want them on and off when I want them off. The info on how to do this is also in the owners manual.

Nw.....where did you hear that the lights put out half power in DRL mode?

OH wait.....it was the sales person......right?:)

Steve Ferraro

Hoboken, NJ

GM daytime lights are in 1/2 power mode.

The 01 V-70 does not have the small slotted screw in the light switch to disable DRL's. They can be disabled but this requires conection th the VADIS computer at a dealer, and the DRL's can be switched off. The off position on the switch disables high beam so it can be used as a flash signal for passing. The taillights ar ON when the switch is in the off position on US models. The dash lights work in all three switch positions, unlike the 98-00 V-70.