The Volvo S60 and XC60 are iconic models in the Volvo lineup, renowned for their blend of safety, luxury, and innovation. Even if you’re interested in driving the sleek S60 Sedan or the versatile XC60 crossover SUV, both of the models deliver you a premium driving experience. However, no car is prone to issues, and like any other vehicle you can encounter some occasional issues like the bulb failure. You can even come across some warning messages related to the control unit or your xenon headlights. 

A Brief Introduction to the Volvo S60 and XC60

The Volvo XC60,  a midsize luxury crossover SUV, has been a staple in Volvo's lineup since its introduction in 2008. As part of the Volvo 60 Series, which also includes the S60 sedan, S60 Cross Country, V60 wagon, and V60 Cross Country,  the XC60 has consistently pushed the boundaries of safety and design. The first-generation model actually set the tone for Volvo's modern and innovative styling, and the second-generation XC60, which launched in 2017, continued to evolve with some cutting-edge features. Notably, because of which the XC60 was awarded Car of the Year Japan for 2017-2018, assuring its reputation for excellence.

The Volvo XC60 concept debuted at the 2007 Detroit Auto Show, which showcased some of the amazing features like the glass roof, its redesigned grille, and some more advanced technology. Such elements that later influenced the entire production model. This SUV’s innovative design and commitment to good quality make it a popular choice among those who have a passion for luxury and higher-priced cars. 

Understanding Xenon Headlamps and Their Importance

Both the Volvo S60 and XC60 most of the time come equipped with Xenon HID (High-Intensity Discharge) headlamps, these headlamps have bulbs, which are so bright that even their low light can sometimes blind the oncoming drivers. They are also known for their energy saving capabilities. These headlamps basically use an electric arc to produce light and require a ballast to regulate the power supply. These xenon lights are rapidly gaining popularity and replacing the traditional halogen lights. 

Volvo S60 T5 XC60 Bulb Failure Dipped Beam Warning Message

There are various advantages that the Xenon headlamps include, for instance they can turn nighttime driving into a dazzling light show. They even have a longer lifespan as compared to the standard halogen or LED bulbs. Even then, if one of the components, such as the ballast,  fails, it can lead to errors like the "Bulb Failure: Dipped Beam" warning.

What Does A Faulty Xenon Ballast Mean? 

If you’re experiencing problems with your car’s lighting system, or it’s continuously flickering, it may mean that the problem is with the bulb or ballast of your car’s system. Without a functioning ballast, the bulb may draw excessive power, leading to overheating and premature failure.

Some common symptoms of a failed ballast include: 

  • Flickering headlights.
  • A headlight that fails to turn on.
  • Delayed Headlight Ignition
  • Dimming lights
  • Warning messages on the dashboard, such as "Dipped Beam Failure."

What Does The Dipped Beam Failure Error Mean? 

Most likely the dipped beam fault means that there is some kind of issue with one of your headlights and most likely the bulb has failed and it requires a replacement. Without addressing this issue promptly, you risk reduced visibility and compromised safety during nighttime driving.

Some of the most common warning messages that you can encounter are: 

The most common volvo warning messages

  • Dipped beam failure
  • Bulb Failure Dipped Beam
  • Bulb failure Low beam
  • Headlamp failure Service Required

If you encounter these messages, it probably means that you need to inspect and diagnose the problem for optimal performance. 

Symptoms Of A Failed Dipped Beam 

These issues that arise can  oftentimes be a frustrating and potentially dangerous problem for Volvo drivers. If your dipped beam isn’t functioning, you may notice some of the following symptoms:

  • One or both headlights fail to turn on.
  • Dashboard displays a warning message such as "Bulb Failure: Dipped Beam."
  • The Xenon bulb may flicker before shutting off completely.
  • You may face color temperature changes. The color of the light may change from a bright white to a yellow or blue hue. 

To confirm whether the ballast is at fault or if it’s simply a burned-out bulb, you can just perform a simple test:

  • Swap the D3S HID bulb from the non-working side to the working side.
  • If the bulb works, the ballast is likely the issue.
  • If the bulb doesn’t work, it’s time to replace the bulb instead.

How to Fix the Issue

Now that  you’ve identified the issue and the faulty component, it's important to take appropriate actions and fix it. The best part is that fixing the issue is pretty straightforward. If the issue that you’ve identified only includes a failed bulb, you may only need to replace it with a new D3S HID bulb that is compatible with your Volvo model. Secondly, if the ballast is the root cause, you will most probably need to purchase a replacement ballast that is designed for your specific Xenon headlamp system. 

You can easily purchase the replacement part from a trusted supplier like us at Xenons4u. For example, the Valeo Xenon Ballast Control Unit is a reliable option for Volvo models. You can find it here

Now, replacing the defective part may require some technical expertise, so it's best to consult a professional if you’re unsure how to do it yourself. 

Once you replace it, there is no other need for any other diagnostic reset. The new part will function seamlessly with your vehicle’s system. 

For other high-quality replacement parts, visit Xenons4u, where you’ll find reliable solutions to keep your Volvo’s lighting system in top condition.

Part Numbers & Compatibility List

Here are some of the part numbers and the compatibility car list that would go with this Ballast7Green 89089352 Xenon Ballast. 

OME part numbers

  • Valeo 89089352 VZ739
  • Land Rover: LR014114
  • GM 22840414
  • Volvo 31297941 31297942
  • Jaguar C2D5271
  • Mopar Jeep: 68222897AA

Compatibility list:

  • Jaguar XJ XJR 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015
  • Jaguar 2012, 2013
  • Jaguar F-Type 2014, 2015
  • Land Rover Discovery LR4 MK4 L319 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014
  • 3.0L SDV6 4x4 HSE
  • Land Rover Range Rover 2013, 2014
  • Land Rover Range Rover Sport 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013
  • Land Rover Evoque 
  • Volvo S60 S60L MK2 T5 Facelift
  • SE LUX Premium
  • 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018
  • Volvo XC60 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018
  • R Design Cross Country Luxury AWD
  • 3.0L Gasoline Petrol
  • Volvo V60 D5 Estate
  • Buick Enclave 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016
  • Ford C-Max 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015
  • Ford Mondeo V 2014, 2015, 2016
  • Ford Kuga MK2 II Titanium C520 Pre-Facelift
  • ST-Line 2.0L diesel
  • 1.5L 1.6L 2.0L EcoBoost Turbo petrol gasoline
  • 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016
  • GMC Acadia 2013, 2014, 2015
  • Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit
  • 2014 2015 2016
  • 3.0 V6 CRD diesel
  • 5.7L Hemi
  • Chevrolet Corvette Z51 Z06 2014, 2015
  • Chevrolet Corvette C7 Coupe
  • 2014 - 2017
  • 6.2L Petrol Gasoline
  • Maserati Quattroporte 2013, 2014, 2015
  • Ferrari F12 Berlinetta 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017
  • Ferrari 488 F142M 2015