Day running lights on '96 V40

Just wanted to check if what I have is standard for a '96 (P) V40 2.0 SE. The dipped-beam headlights come on with the ignition, so they are on permanently, even with the headlights selected 'off'. Switching the headlights to 'on' seems just to enable main beam thro' the dip switch. Is this normal? Cold starts and short journeys are taking it out of the battery so I'd prefer to make whatever change is necessary to just have side-lights on permanently allowing manual control of dipped headlights. maybe the previous owner did a 'mod' to get this, but a quick check of wiring and the headlight switch function hasn't revealed anything. Cheers, Andy

Daytime driving lights, i hate them too! This is normal, in some european countries it is illegal to drive with your lights off in the daytime. You can turn them off i think but i'm not sure how you do it, involves taking the switch out and fiddling with it, maybe some of the other members can help you with that. But if you turn the switch to the middle position only your sidelights will be on! Just remember to turn them off though, i went away for a week and when i came back my battery was dead! :)

The only way you can disable DRL's on an early S/V40 is by removing the switch and cutting wires behind it. TBH I would just leave them on as the alternator on your car has more than enough capacity to recharge your battery and run the DRL's at the same time and it will make no difference to your battery charge. They are to become law in the UK from around 2010 on new cars anyway due to EU findings that cars with DRL's on are involved in 30% less accidents.

Thanks, Folks! I really should have researched this subject before posting - there's a lot of emotion about DRLs in the forum isn't there??! I'll admit now I hadn't realised I can switch to side-lights only for the short journeys or on start-up to save my weakening battery. As Dandle says, the alternator has plenty of output to cover the deficit caused by DRLs but I'm finding after a few short journeys (where the starting energy may not be fully replenished) the battery needs a boost for starting. OK, you got me, I really need a new battery! Thanks again, Andy

I think DRL's are great. There's no excuse for not being seen. That said my T4 is bright yellow!!

My v40 has 4 tail lights as standard to reduce current required I switched these standard bulbs all for led bulbs using a fraction of the current..

on my 99 plate i dont have running lights, which is odd as when i bought it it did have, i replaced the bulbs and now i dont have running lights very odd but not too much of a prob as i just leave the lights switched on so they come on and off with ignition now anyway.

I'm not sure how the retro idea will work but as many will know by 2010 I think all car's must come with DRL's as standard on newer car's, I'm guessing car's previous to that wont have to but it does make you think of how different our European fellow's laws are different. They may require you to drive with headlights on at all times to look like Volvo's with DRL's as standard. I personally dont mind the DRL's, I leave mine running through the winter but switch them off in the summer.

I love my DRL's one of the reasons to own a volvo, I had a honda civic before and someone crashed into me because they said they didn't see my car no excuse now when I've got headlights on and marker lights :) I've seen Philips do a new bulb called Eco Vision and they use 20% less power but are 10% brighter they also do Eco Vision tail lights and break lights might be worth it.