Volvo S40 Headlights are dim Inspection at your home or office.

Our certified mobile mechanics come to you 7 days a week between 7 AM and 9 PM.

Estimate price near me

Service Location

Customer Ratings

(176)

How A Diagnostic Works

Instantly book a certified mobile mechanic to come to you

Mechanic diagnoses the problem and quotes necessary repairs

Your vehicle is ready to go

Fair, upfront & transparent pricing for all services

Our certified mobile mechanics can come to you now.

Customer Ratings

(176)

Headlights are dim Inspection Service

How much does a Headlights are dim Inspection cost?

On average, the cost for a Volvo S40 Headlights are dim Inspection is $95 with $0 for parts and $95 for labor. Prices may vary depending on your location.

CarServiceEstimateShop/Dealer Price
2000 Volvo S40L4-1.9L TurboService typeHeadlights are dim InspectionEstimate$114.99Shop/Dealer Price$124.99 - $132.49
2008 Volvo S40L5-2.4LService typeHeadlights are dim InspectionEstimate$94.99Shop/Dealer Price$105.01 - $112.52
2003 Volvo S40L4-1.9L TurboService typeHeadlights are dim InspectionEstimate$94.99Shop/Dealer Price$105.01 - $112.52
2004 Volvo S40L5-2.5L TurboService typeHeadlights are dim InspectionEstimate$94.99Shop/Dealer Price$104.99 - $112.48
2008 Volvo S40L5-2.5L TurboService typeHeadlights are dim InspectionEstimate$94.99Shop/Dealer Price$105.02 - $112.55
2006 Volvo S40L5-2.5L TurboService typeHeadlights are dim InspectionEstimate$94.99Shop/Dealer Price$105.01 - $112.52
2007 Volvo S40L5-2.4LService typeHeadlights are dim InspectionEstimate$99.99Shop/Dealer Price$109.87 - $117.28
2010 Volvo S40L5-2.5L TurboService typeHeadlights are dim InspectionEstimate$99.99Shop/Dealer Price$110.24 - $117.94
Show example Volvo S40 Headlights are dim Inspection prices

Whether you’re driving at night, in the rain, in the fog or snow, having working headlights is absolutely essential. They provide light so you can see where you’re going, but they also help alert other drivers to your presence, enhancing the safety of everyone you encounter on the road. If your headlights seem dim, there may actually be an underlying problem that needs to be corrected.

How this system works:

No matter what type of bulbs you’re using, the system works in the same basic way. Your headlights are connected to the engine wiring harness via connectors, and they’re grounded to the chassis of your car (without a ground, they won’t work).

When you turn on the headlight switch, power is sent from the battery/alternator to the bulbs, causing the filaments to heat up and glow, which produces the light you need to see the road. They work just like the light bulbs in your home – a broken filament, or anything that disrupts the flow of electricity through the circuit can cause problems.

However, bulbs are a lot like fuses in that they either work or they don’t work. That means if your bulbs are dimmer than normal, the problem isn’t likely in the bulb itself, but somewhere in the wiring leading to the bulbs.

Common reasons for this to happen:

  • Corroded Ground Wire: One of the most common causes of dim headlights is a corroded ground wire. Ground wires connect the bulb circuit to your car’s chassis (which serves as the ground itself). If corrosion develops on the wire (or the connection is dirty or damaged), it disrupts the flow of electricity, often enough to limit the output of your bulbs.

  • Discoloring Deposits: This is particularly common with halogen type light bulbs. Over time, the inert gas within the halogen bulb creates a discoloring film (brown or gray). This builds up on the inside of the bulb and dims the light output. Replacing the bulb is generally the only option here.

  • Bad Alternator: Another very common reason to see dim headlights is a failing alternator. If you notice that the lights brighten and dim as the engine revs up and down, the alternator should be checked immediately. If it fails, dim lights will be the least of your problems. The car will begin pulling power from the battery and because it’s not being recharged, it will eventually drain completely. This will leave you stuck on the side of the road.

  • Yellowed Lenses: Often, dim lights have nothing to do with the flow of electricity or aging bulbs. Rather, they have to do with the aging of the headlight lens (the large plastic cover that protects the bulbs inside). Lenses yellow as they age, and this affects the amount of light that can escape and limits your visibility at night.

  • Loose Alternator Belt: Dimming lights may not be a sign of a bad alternator. It might be a loose alternator belt instead. If the alternator belt is loose, it doesn’t turn the pulley correctly (it slips and then grabs, slips and then grabs). This can be noticed in dimming and brightening headlights. The belt should be checked for excess play, as well as wear and tear.

What to expect:

A top-rated mobile mechanic will come to your home or office. The mechanic will inspect the headlights, the wiring harness, the ground wires and other components. The mechanic will then provide a detailed inspection report that includes the scope and cost of the necessary repairs.

How it's done:

The mechanic will inspect all parts of the headlight system, including the lenses, the bulbs, the wiring connectors, the ground wires and more. It may be necessary to perform a charging system test to determine if your alternator is healthy. The mechanic may also need to check the alternator belt.

How important is this service?

If your headlights are dim, it could be a sign of a serious underlying problem. Even if the issue is something as simple as a corroded ground wire, your safety is still compromised because you don’t have adequate visibility at night and while driving in inclement weather. One of our professional mechanics can inspect your headlights and determine the cause.

Fast and easy service at your home or office

Backed by 12-month, 12.000-mile guarantee


Meet some of our expert Volvo mechanics

Real customer reviews from Volvo owners like you.

Excellent Rating

(176)

Rating Summary
168
2
2
1
3
168
2
2
1
3

Matthew

33 years of experience
1222 reviews
Matthew
33 years of experience
Volvo S40 L4-1.9L Turbo - Check Engine Light is on - Norfolk, Virginia
Good man. Knows his stuff.

Kevin

24 years of experience
535 reviews
Kevin
24 years of experience
Volvo S40 L5-2.4L - Check Engine Light is on - Alpharetta, Georgia
Thank you so much for fixing the issue with the check engine light

Arturo

27 years of experience
303 reviews
Arturo
27 years of experience
Volvo S40 L5-2.4L - Car is not starting - San Diego, California
Arturo was very knowledgeable and fixed the issues I was having.

Ralph

38 years of experience
186 reviews
Ralph
38 years of experience
Volvo S40 L5-2.4L - Alternator - Auburn, Washington
Had an awesome repair experience!

Excellent Rating

(176)

Rating Summary
168
2
2
1
3
168
2
2
1
3
Number of Volvo S40 services completed
1936+
services done by our mechanics
TOTAL NUMBER OF EXPERT Volvo MECHANICS
600+
experts on our platform

Recent articles & questions

What Are Leaf Springs?
A A leaf spring is a component of some vehicles’ suspension systems. Specifically, a leaf spring is composed of several (or occasionally just one) thin strips of metal, called leaves, arranged on top of each other to form a single...
How to Keep Your Car From Stalling
When When driving a car, we expect it to get us from point A to point B without any issues. It can become unnerving to drive if your car stalls randomly when coming to a stop, whether it is at...
P0763 OBD-II Trouble Code: Shift Solenoid C Electrical Malfunction
P0763 P0763 code definition P0763 indicates a problem with Shift Solenoid C Electrical. What the P0763 code means The PCM (powertrain control module) in a vehicle with an automatic transmission utilizes shift solenoids in order to facilitate the various transmission...

Cambelt or Chain driven?

Hi there. Look at the engine and see if there is a plastic cover on the front or an aluminum cover on the front. If there is a plastic cover then the engine is driven by a timing belt. If...

My headlight bulb came loose and has now melted into the side of the metal fixture it plugs into. What do I do

Hi there. The main part that contains the headlight bulb is called a headlight assembly (https://www.go-parts.com/ford-bronco-headlights.html). In most cases, when the headlight bulb melts inside or is 'welded' of fused to the inside of the assembly, it's best to replace...

Massive vibration after 40 mph or once I go from 4th to 5th gear.

Hi Darryl. Thanks for contacting us today. Generally speaking, a single cylinder misfire will gradually create a steady vibration, but not stop when you're accelerating. The type of vibration you're describing is often caused by a transmission or engine mount,...

How can we help?

Our service team is available 7 days a week, Monday - Friday from 6 AM to 5 PM PST, Saturday - Sunday 7 AM - 4 PM PST.

1 (855) 347-2779 · hi@yourmechanic.com