I have a 2000 S80 that previously asked a question regarding the cigarette lighter having gone out. After checking all the fuses, I suspect that the cause may be a broken or "unseated" wire. Does anyone know how I would go about removing the dash panel(s) just below the radio to take a look?

 

Remove the lower panel in front of the shifter by pulling it.Then remove the 2 torxes 25 screws the lift and slde out.

 

When you say panel in front of the shifter, are you referring to the small panel with the Trunk/STS/Headrest buttons, the panel just above this one, or the horizontal panel that is actually just forward of the gear shift?

Also, what tool would be best to use for this operation, a flathead screwdriver perhaps?

 

The panel im talking about is under that one. On some of the cars it has a pen holder in it.
Yes use a flat screwdriver to pop out the sides and it will come out.The switches are part of the A/C panel.

 

This is a little more than just the panel question, but you're probably driving for the radio or lights so I'll post the whole thing here

IMPORTANT - Disconnect the negative terminal of the battery if you are going to unhook any of the wires or harnesses to the climate control sytems.

If you don't, you will get an URGENT WARNING - SRS AIRBAG when you hook it up again and start. Only fix for this is to go to the dealer and could cost $200 for them to diagnose (believe) that it was just what you did

Try this - It shows some good pictures to get you through it.

http://www.carstereohelp.com/stereoremovalVolvoS80.htm

You have to put the car in Drive to wiggle the first panel out of the way.

Removing the climate control module is tough at first. Really have to swing the bottom out and then "pop" the top out. There are "C" clips on the radio that hold it in. It took me 3 times to muster the courage to really pull it out

The lights are on the back of the climate control module (that's why its easier to pull the harnesses off) and run about $15/light. I just ordered 1 and you can tell. Get them all and be done with it is my advice. This is a good site for them http://www.eeuroparts.com/Main/Home.aspx

 

I have attempted this for the second time and lost the courage again. It just feels wrong to have to fight that much to pull that panel out. This time though, I don't have the climate, stc, etc working on that panel! I hope I didn't pull it too much. Has anybody tried this recently?

 

There's an incomplete but fairly good write-up here: http://www.carstereohelp.com/stereoremovalVolvoS80.htm
Well, I guess it's all pictures actually, but anyways. LOL

And wait five minute after driving car before disconnecting battery. Some modules may take that long to save their state data and go into sleep mode.

 

I saw that in the post before, but thank you. The concept is easy, but it seems if I pull it any harder, I am going to pull all the harnesses and rip s*&t out. Is it possible? FYI, its for a s60, which I think is similar enough for the process.

 

Oops, I didn't notice it had already been posted. Anywho, FWIW, I've heard other people comment on how much they had to pull on it too, so guess it's a common issue. I think someone said to just pull on the bottom up at an angle and it'll snap off. Haven't tried it myself yet though, but will soon so I can repair my stereo head unit.