October 2008 Newsletter for Front Wheel Drive Models

Headlight Aiming for Maximum Safe Performance

Check and adjust the aim of your headlights at least once a year to ensure maximum performance and to make sure that they are not blinding other drivers. For best results have your Volvo dealer or independent Volvo specialist adjust your headlights using a professional aiming system, this can usually be done for under $30.

If you don’t have easy access to a shop with the proper equipment, you can adjust the headlights yourself, following the steps below. You’ll need an assistant, 25 foot tape measure, masking tape and a large black felt tip marker and a flat blade screwdriver if your Volvo does not have adjusting knobs.

Most 1986 and newer models have adjustment knobs that are accessed from the back side of the head light in the engine compartment. Most late model Volvos have bubble levels built into the headlight housing to help with the vertical adjustment.

Before you begin, make sure that your car has close to a full tank of gas, that the tires are properly inflated and that there is nothing heavy in the trunk or cargo area that is not normally carried in the car. This will provide the best accuracy under normal conditions.

STEP 1: Find a nice flat parking area with a smooth light colored wall, preferably a place where you won’t be disturbed or have to move your car during the procedure. Some ambient lighting helps; just make sure that you can clearly see your low beams shining on the wall (often your driveway and garage door will work well). Park your car perpendicular to the wall, making sure your headlights are 20 feet from the wall. Use a tape measure to get it close. Mark the position of the car’s wheels in case you have to move or need to readjust Rock the car a little bit to settle the suspension.

STEP 2: To determine the position of your cars vertical centerline on the wall, put a small piece of masking tape in the very center of the windshield and the back window (use the tape measure for accuracy). Now stand behind the car and use the masking tape marks to “sight” a spot on the wall where the exact vertical centerline of the car is aimed. Have your assistant place masking tape on the wall at this point and then mark it with an “X” using the black marker.

STEP 3: Now, back at the car, measure the height from the pavement to the center of your low beam headlights. Also measure the distance between the two lights. Transfer these measurements to the wall using the vertical centerline you previously marked on the wall.

You now should have marks on the wall that closely correspond to the positions of your headlights.

STEP 4 Make a mark on the wall about 3.5 inches to the right and 1.5 inches below the point where your headlight marks are. This will give you the proper aiming points. SEE DIAGRAM BELOW for an example of what you should have on the wall. (As viewed from the front of the car.)

LOW BEAM AIMING: Turn your lights on low beam. Now, have your helpful assistant stand in front of the passenger side lamp while you aim the other driver side lamp so that the point where the horizontal cutoff begins to sweep upward hits point ”C” on the wall. Now do the same for the passenger side using point “D”. It is not necessary to aim the high beams on cars with only 2 headlamps as the high beam is correct once the low beam is aimed properly.

HIGH BEAM AIMING: This only applies to cars that have 4 head light systems as once the low beam is set, the high beam should be good on cars that only have 2 headlamps. (Do not attempt to re-adjust the hi-low lamps) On 4 head light cars, aim the center of the separate driver side high beam hot spot at position A on the wall. For the passenger side aim for position B. Cover or disable the hi-low lamp to prevent it from interfering with the separate hi beam adjustment. This sets the high beam a bit higher than your low beam setting for maximum distance. You may want to experiment with setting the high beam hot spot 3-4 inches out board of the above settings to light up the sides of the road a bit more.

STEP 5: Take the car for a test drive. If they aren’t quite right, return to the aiming point and park in the exact spot where you marked where your wheels were located during the aiming process and adjust as necessary.

Angel Eye Headlights for 1995-1997 850 models

Order NOW and we'll include a FREE set of stealth chrome coated turn signal/marker bulbs to get rid of the yellow bulb altogether!
A #30 value!

If you’ve ever considered upgrading the headlights on your 850 to a custom style, now is the time with our new Projector lamp assemblies featuring BMW inspired Angel Eyes and the first fully integrated turn signal assembly for a super clean Euro look. Up until now we have chosen to stay out of the custom headlight market as the offerings for Volvos did not meet our quality requirements. The fit and finish of these lights is outstanding.

The low beam projector lamp dramatically improves the beam pattern and the Angel eyes, which come on with the parking / marker lamps provide the custom look to set your ride apart from the crowd. Both hi and low beam lamps utilize commonly available H-1 halogen bulbs (included). Detailed instructions are included to guide the average do it yourselfer through an easy installation in under an hour with common hand tools.

Stealth Bulbs

Stealth Bulbs™ are the best concealment bulbs on the market; invisible in clear lenses when off and bright amber when on. They eliminate the “egg-yolk” effect from the front, side or rear turn signal lenses of your vehicle. Stealth Bulbs create a clean integrated look that will set your Volvo apart from the crowd! The exclusive chrome finish provides the ultimate in stealth appearance compare to the competitions painted silver bulbs.

Every Stealth bulb is Made In The USA and backed with an unparalleled lifetime guarantee. High quality long life bulbs and proprietary metallic coatings applied by a world renowned NASA contractor provide years of world class performance.

Euro Side Marker Lights

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Adding visibility to your Volvo is easy with original European Volvo turn signal indicators. The mounting hole is already stamped into the fender so there is no drilling required. All you have to do is remove the Volvo emblem and adhesive on the fender and you’ll find the odd shaped hole that was originally intended to accept these nifty European turn signal indicators. Very simple two-wire hookup using the wiring kit below. Come with amber bulbs. Detailed instructions are included.

European Side marker kits look great, upgrading the appearance of your Volvo and a Volvo safety study reports that side markers can also improve the likelyhood that other drivers will see your intention to turn by up to 60%!

Wiring Harness Kit for Side Marker Lamps