Just picked up my first Volvo today, and I love it!! The only thing I've found that doesn't work is the little light that illuminates the automatic shifter letters. It's impossible to see whether I'm in Drive or 3rd unless I flip on one of the lights by my rear view mirror.

I'm sorry if this is a really dumb question but I haven't purchased my first repair manual yet and I'm not sure of the best way to pop open the transmission console and which replacement bulb to buy.

Thanks!

 

Hi Squiggy,

See following link for centre console removal:

http://volvospeed.com/Repair/Microswitch.php

I believe Haynes also has good instructions for working on the interior servicing (the factory manual I have is partial and did not have procedure for centre console servicing). Note, that some plastic trim pieces are fragile so you may want to be gentle when pushing, pulling, bending, prying, etc... they can crack.

If I were you, I would replace all bulbs while in there, because other bulbs may be close to retirement too and you don't want to dig into it2 days after you've replaced a couple of bulbs. And the bulbs are not that expensive, either. I would take a bulb out, bring it to an auto parts shop for size & shape comparison. Don't worry about wattage requirement. This is also a good time to clean up the area, as I believe some dusts may have accumulated over the years and may prevent good electrical contacts. I would use Q-tips wet with alcohol/electrical contact cleaner and rub clean the sockets for the bulbs & blow dry with air duster (available at office supply stores).

Do this with the ignition switch off; key removed.

Good luck,


JPN

 

Thanks JPN. I will do exactly what you said.

 

When I did this, I was able to replace the bulbs with minature ones from Radio Shack. The dealer wanted $25.50 for the bulb and the little housing it came in!!

GLenn

 

When I did the bulbs in my radio last time, I used Honda bulbs. Not sure about the bulbs in the center console. Mine are all out in one of my cars too. I know I'm in drive if the arrow does not come on on the dash. If the car is going forward and the arrow isn't on, I'm in Drive. I can't believe I just had the console out to replace the window switch and didn't remember to do the light bulbs. I have just gotten used to them not working I guess.

 

You mean there's lights there? [8D]Our's haven't worked since we've owned our Volvo and I didn't even think there might be lights in the gear selector to show where you're at.

 

Hi TJay,

Yes the gear selector positions should illuminate.

As a certified illuminator-kind-of-guy, I highly suggest that you install bulbs in there. Or if you like, you can upgrade them to LEDs. Or if none of them is lighting, could it be the light switch defective?


JPN

 

I went to my local Pep Boys and got a bulb for the shifter. I get it home and it's not the right one. I head back and have him check the number again and that's what he comes up with again. Does anyone have a specific part number for that light.

I know I got the bulbs for the radio from my local Hond dealer, they're the same lights as an 02 Accord.

 

Why not take the bad bulb out of the car and take it with you to the auto parts store or Radio Shack to compare?

Glenn

 

I like JPN's idea of upgrading to LEDs. I happen to have a collection of LEDs at home (I was trying to learn something about electronics last yeat but got side tracked). I'm just not sure what size to install. I'm afraid of 'frying the electronics'.

 

I tried but it shattered when I took it out.

 

I just realized that none of the lights in the console of my 97 850 R are working. I drove the 95 this morning and noticed everything is all lit up. The gear selector, the cig. lighter and all the window switches. On my 97 nothing is lit up. I can't believe every bulb is burnt out. I'm thinking I might not have plugged something in right when I had the console out.

 

Up grade to led....I like that idea...any how tos?

Also is the LED display on the 94 gauge cluster to illuminate? mine isnt so thats why I am asking.

 

Yes the clock is supposed to light up.

 

CRAPOLA![:@][&o]

 

LoL sorry!!!!

 

Some LEDs come embedded in a shell that is shaped identical to the conventional bulbs, so they are easy-fit.

I love the cooler tone of the LEDs, except most LEDs are still not bright enough for direct lighting, except that some LEDs now come with well-designed lens. LED bulbs are super bright, but their beam patterns get dispersed without a well-deigned lens.

Don't worry about frying the electronics, just watch out for polarity because if reversed, LEDs will not light.


JPN

 

There was a thread in VolvoSpeed where the guy had replaced the instrument cluster bulbs with LEDs. There were some pictures too. He said it looked much better and brighter.

 

Note to self....


Next time when taking apart the dash...don't ask these guys about LED lights AFTER the fact![:'(]

 

OK, I've got the center console apart, found the light and detatched it from the wiring harness. Now how do you get it out of the black adapter. The last one I tried to pull out shattered. Any ideas??