I need to replace one of my "idiot" lights as well as the lights for the LCD screen at the bottom of the instrument cluster (shows temp, miles to zero, etc.) and hope it's not as hard as it looks. Robert DIY shows taking the entire dash pad off but I'd rather not if I can avoid it. Any links or advice would be fantastic. I'm hoping for a quick r&r of the bulbs. Oh and if y'all know what kind of bulbs are in there that would be awesome. I assume they are like a million dollars and have to come from the dealer...

 

There is no shortcut to removing the cluster......the dash top has to come off.


Don't try and undo just one side then bend the dash top back, you will deform it and it wont sit right ever again.


In my cluster the idiot lights are a Toshiba V2 globe (google it) however the LCD screen globes differ from what options there are. Plain cluster had one globe, multi function trip computer had 2 globes.

 

Replace the 4 big bulbs which illuminate the whole cluster . The bulbs are rated 3watts get these and beware the 5watt one s are more common but the plastics inside will not be thrilled to get more heat.
If the car has the BC there are 2 small bulbs which are Volvo specific but not very expensive (2$ per pcs), otherwise there is just one of these bulbs fitted.
As brick stated there is no "shortcut" for replacing the bulbs you have to take the cluster out.

Cristian

 

As everyone else said, there is no short cut. My advice is really take your time putting it all back together. I missed something when I did this and have had a very annoying squeak from the passenger side of the dash ever since and will have to take it all apart again to fix.

 

Awesome. thanks folks. One more thing, is there any issue with removing the bulb for the "service" light? I heard that some of the idiot lights will trigger others if the bulb is burned out so I don't want to trade a minute (at startup) of having the service light on for an eternity of check engine. I found a cheap kit from eeuroparts.com that has all six bulbs for the cluster, but what bulbs are the "idiot lights? Thanks again!

 

By idiot lights I am assuming the lights like the service and check engine lights.


Toshiba V2. Google it.

 

There is no issue with removing the SRI (service reminder lamp) however it has it's purpose to remind you that you need to change (at least) the engine oil.

 

Yes, remove the idiot light since you do NOT have a reset tool.

I have bulbs if you need them. They are cheap. My cluster video should show the bulbs, not the details.