Ok, so I drove my 850 for the first time at night tonight and there aren't any lights on the panel for the climate controls. Are these supposed to be illuminated?

 

yes

 

Sounds like they're burnt out.

 

you can replace them. here is a thread that shows you how.

if that one doesnt work just search this forum

 

For Automatic Climate Control (ECC):

Remove the radio by pressing on the narrow tabs on both sides of the radio, and then reach the climate control unit from the radio opening and press on the metal tangs on both sides of the climate control unit to slide it out.

Remove the dials & fan-speed slider by pulling them outward. Remove the 2 switches (REC & AC); be extremely careful, as these 2 switches have microscopic spring & a locater bar. They cannot be bought separately, even at a dealer. Remove screws from the climate control unit and remove the front panel; the bulbs are held in plastic sockets, whichare removed by turning them about 90 degrees (or less) CCW. Take the bulbs with you to an auto parts shop, and compare size & wattage to match the bulbs you need.

I am not sure how this is done on Manual Climate Control, which requires a different procedure. I believe there are a couple of threads related to the same topic.

Good luck,


JPN

 

Thanks for the info, that was an easy fix. $6 and about 20 minutes.

The light for the speedo is also out, the other 2 are on so I can still read it, it's just dim. I started fooling with that today, but I ran out of time and daylight.

 

See instructions at FCP Groton; it's for odometer gear replacement but is pretty much the same for bulb replacement:

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

I would replace all bulbs, including those that are still illuminating, because you don't want to dig into it 2 days after you've replaced a couple of bulbs. There are 4 bulbs for the main gauges (tach, speedo & fuel & coolant), and the original bulbs are rated at 3W, which seems available only at the dealers, and of course they want $5 for each. I used 5W bulbs (generic brand) and are a bit brighter than the originals. Take the bulbs out by turning the socket for 90 degrees (or less) CCW, remove the bulbs, take them to the shop to match the size.

Make sure to have Torx bits. I believe there was only one size, if not 2,for dash top removal. Haynes manual was also helpful in this procedure.


JPN