I have an 1995 850 Wagon, when I turn on the headlight switch the headlights come on but not the dash lights. Could this be a bad headlight switch or some other problem. I have just changed theignition switch recently.

 

I actually have the same problem. For awhile I could hit the bottom of the switch and they'd click on. Last night it got to the point of having to keep pushing on the switch, so I got underneath and checked it out. I couldn't see very well from the foot compartment (after removing the plastic panel from under the steering wheel), but I felt around and found the electrical connections at the back of the switch. I pushed and probed around until the lights came on. In the end, I couldn't find anything loose, so I just pushed on the bottom of the switch from behind it. The bottom of the switch is popped out a little bit now, but the lights are actually working. I figure it'll stay like that for awhile and eventually get pushed back in and I'll have to push it out again.

Not a permanent solution but it worked for me.

 

What is the dimmer set at?
Check the fuse.

Nick

 

+1 to White Out. If checking the fuse and dimmer switch doesn't work, I would pop out the dimmer switch and the headlight switch and check the connections.

Glenn

 

The headlight switches are also known to come apart.
That allows the headlights to be on but not the dash lights.
Push in on the headlight switch and see if they come on.

 

And if you can, take the switch out while the ignition switch is OFF, and spray clean the connections with electrical contact cleaner and reconnect to see if it cures the problem (this is pretty much the same advice as Glenn's).

The switch pops out as you insert a small flat-blade screwdriver in the tiny gap, no brutal force is required as it is held in place by spring tension. While you're at it, inspect for any damage. If cleaning doesn't solve the problem, there may be a loose connector for the instrument panel back light. You can access the instrument cluster assembly via:

http://www.fcpgroton.com/volvo850gearinstructions.htm

Good luck,


JPN