2022 V60 Cross Country LED DRL Flickering and Headlight Warning

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Amanda S. · rep 0 · May 22, 5:15 AM · 1 replies · solved · Question

Vehicle: 2022 Volvo V60 Cross Country B5

Hello everyone, I'm having an issue with the front lighting on my 2022 Volvo V60 Cross Country B5. The driver's side 'Thor's Hammer' LED daytime running light (DRL) has started flickering intermittently, and sometimes it goes completely out. When it goes out, I get a 'Headlight System Malfunction' warning on the dash.

The main headlight (low beam) on that side seems to be working fine, but the DRL is definitely problematic. It's not consistent; sometimes it works perfectly, other times it flickers like crazy or stays off. I'm worried it might be a sign of a bigger electrical problem.

Has anyone experienced this with their newer Volvo models? What could be causing this, and is it something I can easily check myself?

✓ Accepted solution

ClearTheCode Admin

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ClearTheCode admin answer:

Flickering or inoperative LED Daytime Running Lights (DRLs) on newer Volvos like your 2022 V60 Cross Country, especially when accompanied by a 'Headlight System Malfunction' warning, typically points to an issue within the LED module itself or its power supply.

Troubleshooting Steps:

  1. Visual Inspection: Carefully inspect the DRL strip and the surrounding headlight assembly for any signs of physical damage, moisture ingress, or loose connections. While LEDs are durable, external factors can affect them.
  2. Check for Recalls/TSBs: Volvo occasionally issues Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) or recalls for known lighting issues. Check with your dealership or Volvo's official website using your VIN.
  3. Restart Vehicle: As with many electronic glitches, a full vehicle shutdown, locking the car, waiting a few minutes, and then restarting can sometimes clear a temporary fault.

Common Causes:

  • Faulty LED Driver Module: The DRLs are powered by a dedicated LED driver module, which can fail, causing flickering or complete failure. This is a common point of failure for LED lighting systems.
  • Internal LED Assembly Fault: Less common, but the LED strip itself could have a defect or a loose connection internally.
  • Wiring/Connector Issue: A loose, corroded, or damaged wire or connector leading to the DRL module or headlight assembly can cause intermittent power.
  • Software Glitch: While less likely for a physical flickering, a software issue in the Body Control Module (BCM) or Lighting Control Module could potentially cause erratic behavior.

When to See a Shop:

  • If the issue persists after basic checks. The 'Headlight System Malfunction' warning indicates the car's diagnostic system has detected a fault.
  • A Volvo dealership can use their VIDA diagnostic system to pull specific fault codes. Look for codes such as B1000 (Control Module Fault), B1001 (Headlight Circuit Fault), or specific codes related to the DRL module (e.g., B1002 - DRL Output Circuit Fault). These codes will help pinpoint whether the issue is with the LED driver, the DRL unit itself, or the wiring.
  • Repair often involves replacing the entire headlight assembly or, if possible, just the LED driver module, which requires specialized tools and knowledge to access and replace correctly.