A question about Volvo S80 head lights.

Question

I have a volvo S80 and in the headlights next to the Highbeam there is an additional smaller bulb along with the high and low beam bulbs, but it is only on the one side of the car. The other side only has the high and low beam bulbs. Can anyone tell me what it is how how does it work. I can't seem to get it to turn on.

Answer 1

If i'm rght and I coudl be wrong but much like the sweds and germans this is most likely a high fog lamp bulb that comes on. The eurpoeans are big on the one bright red light on the back of vehicles due to heavy fog over there. Most likely the bulb is to identify which way the car is going during heavy fog times.

Answer 2

When parking your car at the curb at night in most European countries, you are required to use a small parking light to make your car more visible. This requirement is in force if you are not parked near a streetlight or parked by one that does not stay on all night. The small bulb should be on the driver's side of the car and is usually activated by turning on the left turn signal. The light will remain on with the ignition off but is of such small wattage that it will have no effect on a battery in good condition. You might find the same setup on the rear of your car. Further, a European vehicle made for export may have the bulbs setup but the feature may be inoperative.  

Answer 3

The one light is a DRL (Daytime Running Light) Improves your car's visibility to other's cars. The reason it's on one side is because that's the most visible side to oncoming cars.