does anyone have a source for the little bulbs that provide nightime visibility of the switches and buttons on the dash of these volvos? i cant seem to find them locally with the exception of the dealer who wants $10~15 bucks for each one. cripes, thats a lot of biscuits for a $0.10 cent bulb!! plus more to put them in!

i need a source for the bulbs that go in the automatic transmission shift indicator, the cigar lighter, the glovebox, the seat heater switches, the headlamp switch, the rear defrost switch, etc, etc... and maybe some for the speedometer panel too. (it looks pretty dim on the east side of the dial).

i cant seem to find a part number either.

i would sure appreciate the help!


-woodsytf
1995 850 wagon

 

IPD sells a shifter light for around 10 bucks. I don't know who else does, but search and find a good source.

For the instrument cluster, you can replace them with 194 wedge style LEDs. For the seat heaters and such, I think you can solder some LEDs and get them to work...

 

I used AutoZone's generic 5W bulbs for the main cluster (The OEM is 3W). 5W is brighter than the 3W ver. As to the headlight switch, I brought the original bulb and compared it at a RadioShack and found the closest & soldered it. When you do the main cluster bulbs, I would replace ALL bulbs in there, because you don't want to dig into it again after 2 days. I believe the two LCD bulbs are smaller and may be a RadioShack item.

If you need to replace LEDs, watch out for polarity because if the polarity is reversed, they won't light.


JPN

 

Paradise by the dashboard lights!

Parts Bin has the light bulbs for the ashtray & gear shift indicator:

http://www.thepartsbin.com/catalog/?...t=Light%20Bulb

http://www.thepartsbin.com/includes/...NvbGUpLjwvYj4=

OEM Service Light Bulb
1993~1997 Volvo 850
SKU: W0133-1633500
12V - 1.2w - For front ashtray & lighter.
12V - 1.2w - Gear Indicator (on center console).
$11.95 each + shipping


Radio Shack has bulbs that can be fit into the OEM plastic cap/mount in the headlight and other dash accessory switches: (fog lamp, rear defroster, master lock, heated seats, tracs, etc...)

http://www.radioshack.com/product/in...entPage=search

http://www.radioshack.com/product/in...ductId=2103780

12V Microlamps
Current: 60mA
Brightness (MSCP): 0.15
Average life: 10,000 hours
Model: 272-1092
Catalog #: 272-1092
$1.69 for a 2-pack
they will ship, or the second link can find a store for pickup


I'm still trying to find pics & more complete and specific instructions on how you clever Volvo tweakers have used LED's to eliminate/minimize the dead 12v bulbs. And, if you have other sources or links that will help me/us find bulbs re-light our dashboards, switches, and indicators please post them!

-woodsytf
'95 850 wagon

 

Radio Shack is where I got the replacements for our car. You can always try there

 

I can't remember what year it was that Volvo finally changed the switch design so that bulbs could be replaced, but I think yours require you to disassemble the switch itself, unsolder the old bulb, and then resolder the new bulb. I just did this on all my switches.

Switches are of course easily popped out by gently prying them out of the dash with a flat blade screwdriver, taking care not to mark the plastic surrounding them. Bulbs are 2 for $3 at Radio Shack (U.S.) / The Source (Canada). Part number at the store is 272-1092. It took about 15 minutes per switch. I used two precision screwdrivers (those mini flat blade screwdrivers) to gently pry the back of the switch apart from the front. I then used a low wattage (your basic type $20 cost) soldering iron to desolder the contact wires and resolder the new wires. Don't use a high-power soldering gun... too much heat (they're designed for electrical as opposed to electronic work). I did this and promptly melted the plastic housing of the first switch I tried. Sounds tricky but it really wasn't, and I don't ever solder anything. There's a link over on Matthewsvolvosite.com discussing bulbs for various dash itemsbut I don't have time right now to search for you.

 

I had a minute...
http://forums.swedespeed.com/zerothread?id=91687

... and if your car is a 95, then you may be in luck andhave the user serviceable bulbs. Pop the switches out and see if you can access the bulbs.

 

now THATS what i was looking for. thanks max. i searched around a lot (well, it felt like a lot to me) and couldn't find what i wanted, pictures. great link and thanks for the help.

cheers! [sm=icon_cheers.gif]

-woodsytf
'95 850 wagon