I have a 2003 V40. A few weeks ago one of my front side markers went out. My dad replaced it and said it was easy...he just popped it out and put in the new bulb.

Now I have a rear side marker bulb out. I bought the correct bulbs as indicated at the auto store. I'm searching online for a way to replace them and it appears that you have to replace the entire light? I see that some people said that's not true...just another way for Volvo to make money. I can't find a definite answer.
Any insight?

 

I did some looking on this as well - seems the 2000 and prior ones were sealed but the 2000 and later use a 3 Watt W21X9 5D bulb (same as the license plate or interior overhead light). Then again, I also see the online parts pages (FCPEURO and EEUROPARTS are nearby here in CT) sell a replacement side marker unit for $20). Getting at the light requires some tricky access but watch this Youtube vid to see how.
Once you get the part out you can decide if its accessible for the bulb... post back if you get this sorted out, its a good tip to learn.

 

Hey,
I did see that video. Thanks. I bought the bulbs, but since I need to take apart the car a little bit...it's going to be next weekend when I can get the help. I will keep you posted.

 

Took a little while before my dad could do this. Was waiting to change the oil so he could have the car up on the lift. I think he did it pretty much like the video. The good news is, YES you can replace just the bulb. Here is his account of his step-by-step procedure:

1. Put the car on the lift with the center of the rear wheel at about chest high.
2. Removed 8mm bolts so that the wheel well plastic cover (cowel) could be pulled back.
3. Removed one screw with a torx head holding the bumper so the bumper could be peeled back a bit and the light could be accessed
4. Carefully popped the small section of bumper where the marker is off the snaps holding it in
5. Unscrewed the bulb recepter from the marker and examined the contacts
6. Replaced the bulb with a #194 bulb
7. Snapped the bumper back in place and placed all the screws and bolts back on the wheel cowel

About 15 minutes for the whole job


Hope this helps !!