Hi all,

Im in the UK and drive a 1995 850 T5.My running lights at the moment consist of just the side lights within the headlamp unit. If i turn the tiny preset screw of the switch for the headlights i can have the sidelights on as well as the outer lights(on the side with the indicator). I want to know how i can have just these on and not the ones in the headlamp.

(Please dont suggest taking the bulbs out:-):-):-))

Thanks all.

I'm a little unsure of your terminology, divided as we are by a common language. It sounds like you might be referring to something I've heard called city lights. Are you saying you have two lamps inside the low beam headlight chamber?

SOLUTION #1: The easiest would be to remove the connector (but leave in the bulb). If the light out indicator illuminates on the dash, can probably jump the connector with a bit of thin-gauge wire. In any event, tape up the connectors to seal them from moisture; you or a buyer may want to reconnect them later.

SOLUTION #2: If the lights you want out are connected a relay, you might be able to pull the relay. Another way would be to connect the switched lead to the parking light (the 'outer light' you're referring to?) to something that comes on when the ignition comes on, and then turn off running lights altogether (the outer lights will still come on). But this involves cuting wires and redistributing electrical load. I'd have to check a wiring diagram to be sure about which items might be high side or low side switched.

Daytime running lights on US Volvos are low beam headlights (a bad idea). When we turn the tiny slotted switch, then low beam headlights will be off when the main light switch is in the off position. I don't like this system because it burns out headlights, tail lights and instrument panel lights. Because foglights only work when the headlights are on in US/CAN Volvos (another bad idea), I rewired my T5 so I can use the foglights as DRL's instead.


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(98 S70 T5SE misc mods, mostly lighting) (92 940GLE)

Hmm, you say you rewired it so your fog lights are your running lights. Was it easy? I have the Canadian model where the lowbeams are on all the time, I would much rather have my fogs on instead for running lights.. much like those Audis!

Check out my comments at http://www.brickboard.com/AWD/index.htm?id=471025. The first section contains a link so you can download the instructions.

IMPORTANT: I'm not Canadian (though my car is), and I'm guessing that one requirement of the Canadian lawrs regarding DRL's is that the lighting cannot be overridden by the user...i.e., there can be no operator switch. I had to disassemble my Canadian headlight switch and remove the components preventing me from turning the headlights off. To be in compliance, you might consider modifying the directions I've enclosed so there's no foglight switch. You turn on the key, and the lights come on. (If you install the switch and just leave it in the on position, they'll work whenever the key is on....but that overlooks the likelihood that Canadian law probably requires a user-proof, switchless system.)
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(98 S70 T5SE misc mods, mostly lighting) (92 940GLE)

My experience with the DRL setup on a 1996 855 Turbo (Canadian) is all lamps illuminate when the car is running, as if the headlamp switch were on. The feature automatically lights all running lamps (Canadian law) when the engine is running as is a safety feature afforded the rest of us, which is defeated by "turning the little screw" on the non-Canadians, and by sliding the switch on the rear of the light switch of Canadian delivery cars. It is an all or none at all proposition ole' chap.