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Dome light switch problems

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Geevs
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Post by Geevs »

Anyone experienced problems with the center dome light switch?

Mine will not turn on the lights when the center switch is on the left position i.e. all courtesy lights always on. I have to press down on the switch to turn on the lights. If the switch is on the center or right position, it works fine.

It feels like the spring inside the switch is loose. Is this switch self-serviceable?

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RobTheModd
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Post by RobTheModd »

Depends on the car. I know my 850 should be. I need to get the headliner replaced and they quoted me 300$ when asked why they said it was because they have to remove the handle bars, the lights *dome light* and moon roof. So I am guessing if you can remove it you can service it.

Ozark Lee
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Post by Ozark Lee »

It feels like the spring inside the switch is loose. Is this switch self-serviceable?
I have repaired a number of the switches but not that particular one. You will need to be clever since they basically fall apart into pieces as you disassemble them.

...Lee
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Matty Moo
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Post by Matty Moo »

I've already replaced mine once. Same deal as yours. The center switch gets sloppy after awhile...I took it apart and it doesn't look serviceable, I just picked up a used one.
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pkc303
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Post by pkc303 »

The center switch is a rocker switch. Over time, the little pins on the side get worn, and one usually breaks. There is no spring in there, but it feels like it. I've replaced mine with a used one. Not all are the same, but the rocker is the same. I have pictures of mine somewhere. If not, I can shoot them again. There are two screws to remove if you plan to take it down. Remove the clear lenses first, and you will see the screws. Most people just pry the thing down, and break the screws. Not a good thing for going back up. Good luck. Email if you have questions. I just did my headliner. Not a big deal. I removed the entire insides, console, seats, back seats, etc... Looks ok for my first time.
1995 Volvo 850 T-5R Yellow
1997 Volvo 850R (sold)
2003 Volvo V70 2.4T, K&N air filter, (sold)
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Fish stick88
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Year and Model: 1994 - 850 Sedan
Location: Iowa

Post by Fish stick88 »

i've got a similiar problem, and only one of the sides will work at a time, i have tried and tried to get it going, cleaning it out, but the contacts arent good anymore. I'm a little afraid of buying one off ebay. but it is definately an nonrepairable item.
Speed has never killed anyone, suddenly becoming stationary... That's what gets you.

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Nolander57
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Joined: 22 Mar 2012, 14:47
Year and Model: 850 / 1997
Location: Orlando

Post by Nolander57 »

Mine went bad as well, and I just got one on Ebay and it was broken as well. Seems to be a poor design flaw in the cheap switch. It seems that the little loops on the switch itself (not the post on the body of the switch box) are so tiny that the presure caused by the two little spring loaded contact pins that the switch pivits on, break very easy. Seems you should be able to find these types of weak problem parts more comonly.

valvster
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Joined: 22 Feb 2008, 05:44
Year and Model: 850 1996
Location: Adelaide, South Australia

Post by valvster »

I managed to sort-of repair mine.
As pkc303 says, the little plastic claw pins break in part of the rocker switch. I left the switch in the centre position so the lights can only be operated by opening the door and drilled a hole through the centre of the switch. There just happens to be a plastic post with a hole in the middle of it on the other side....perfect for a small PK screw.

Valvster

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