I tried to change my own headlamp bulbs on my 2001 S60 2.4T, which one wouldn't expect to be difficult. I got the passenger bulb replaced okay a few weeks ago (it had burned out), but afterwards noticed the lights were no longer aimed quite alike, the new passenger light seeming to shine high and to the right. But I had no error messages on the onboard message center. Yesterday, I undertook to change the driver's side bulb. Not only was it nearly impossible to access, thanks to some plastic wiring conduit that runs over it, the stays for which broke in the process, but I couldn't get the bulb unplugged from the socket. Now, I get an error message "Bulb Failure Position Light". I have tried wrestling the old bulb into position, but it seems to be where it belongs. The retaining clip is in place.

What could this error report mean? Have I broken something? How does one get the bulb unplugged without breaking things?

(sorry for a duplicate post, but to maximize responses I'm posting both here and volvospy).

Just came across this site and wandered into this area. Very funny because I just spent 45 minites trying to get the passenger low beam bulb out of my 2002 S60. I'm 6'2" and i'm very mechanically inclined, but this thing drove me nuts. First you need hands the size of a 5 year old to get behind the bulb area. Well, i got the cover off and then the problem i had is that I could not get the plug off of the bulb itself. I know it has the metal retaining clip, which was ok, but getting the plug off was not happening. I called my dealer and he said, "oh it's asy, just pull off the plug". No *%@% Sherlock!
He then said i need to squeeze the clips on the plug and then pull off. Well, i've seen many of these types of wiring harnesses and plugs, but could not find any piece to squeeze in. After 45 minutes I said to heck with this, and now i have to stop into the dealer for them to show me what he is talking about since i now have 52k miles on it and i want to be able to change my own stinking bulbs. Anyway, goo dluck to all!

I have a 2002, thinking 2001 should be the same.

To replace the bulb, pull the socket straight out, the retainer should keep the bulb in place, loosen the retainer to take the bulb out (twist and pull), take note on the orientation of the connectors, put the new bulb in (twist and push, make sure the base of the bulb is in contact with the metal rim) put the retainer on to lock the bulb in place, look in front of the lamp assembly to make sure the bulb is NOT touching the glare shield inside the assembly, make adjustment to the bulb if it does and lock it back in place, then put the socket back on (hopefully, it is not upside down, if so, turn the bulb around). There isn't much room, just be patient. It took me a couple of hours to figure out how to take bulb out the first time around. Common mistake is to try to lossen the retainer with the socket in place, that may be the reason why you can't take the bulb out of the socket.

Good luck.

BC

I have a feeling that Volvo has a serious problem with lights burning out prematurely. It is almost impossible to change the lights yourself and one assumes that it was made that way purposely so that we all go to their service Dept. I have been to their service Dept, on Bird Road in Miami Florida, three times for bulb problems both front and rear, and they have not been able to fix the problem permanently. You know of anyone else that has had this much trouble with electrical system?? Is there any site where Volvo management will take notice and address such problems? I have the S60 2.4T (2002)