Volvo Radio Light Bulb Replacement

Post by **matthew1** » 30 Apr 2006, 21:48

https://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/volvo-radio-light-bulb-replacement.html

Anthony is kind enough to provide us with a (very) good bulb replacement page for Volvo models S70/V70/850/960/S90 with SC-816 Radio.

It covers everything as far as I can tell -- the part, where to get it, how to take the radio out, how to take it apart, how to replace the bulb, and even a warning about the radio code. And photos. Outstanding!

Thanks Anthony!

Capt Jack · Post by **Capt Jack** » 03 May 2006, 15:45

Brilliant item Anthony. I've done the same job on both our cars. On some radios the pcb comes away with the front panel as described, and with some the pcb has to be removed from the chassis of the radio set after the front panel has been removed. This involve a careful bending of four metal locating lugs. If you take it steady it's not difficult. We have an 98 S70 and a 97 V70, both with apparently identical 802 radios - until you take them to bits! As an alternative to the Honda bulbs, here in the UK you can buy the the bulbs minus holders from Maplins for about 50 pence (less than $1) each. You have to then carefully re-use the old bulb holders, but it isn't difficult to do, just a bit fiddly.

Also, make sure all the cables go back nice and tidy when you re-install the radio or you'll get a horrible rattle from the dashboard!

From years of Volvo ownership experience I've learnt that once one dash bulb goes, a lot more follow in short order so I'd suggest replacing all five radio bulbs whilst you've got the toolbox out!

KYBlueV70 · Post by **KYBlueV70** » 13 May 2006, 21:41

Anthony, this repair tip was excellent. I am a novice and was able to replace all 5 bulbs in my 99 V70 radio in approximately 1 hour. I had some trouble getting the radio out of the dashboard as the cables were wrapped tightly. I would also recommend using tweezers to help remove (1) the plastic film on the top of the radio and (2) the blue gel cover from the old Volvo bulbs. These were the most time consuming tasks for me - everything else was a snap!

I bought 5 Honda clocklight bulbs for $20 from my local dealer. He had a newer part # (35505-S84-B02) but it was basically the same bulb you recommended with a darker black base. It fit into the radio slots perfectly.

This fix saved me from purchasing a non-factory radio (see my post dated April 26th) for much more money and has restored light to my radio panel. Thanks for your help!

Ragman · Post by **Ragman** » 17 May 2006, 21:01

The instructions were great until I got the face plate off, without the circuit board. There are 4 metal tabs on the board that need to be bent straight in order to get behind the board and access the bulbs. Once the bulb is removed you can slide off the blue sleeve and from here with a pair of needle nose tweezers unwind the wire strands that hold the bulb to the holder. Why,you ask? The replacement bulbs can be purchased at Radio Shack for $2.99 Canadian a pair, Part # 2721092 and they give the correct amount of light in case your wondering. 12 volt 60mA bulb type T-1 1" wire terminals. These are the same bulbs that fit into the bulb holders on the instrument cluster switches that the dealer charges $4 to $7 dollars each for. Cheers.

Mynshall · Post by **Mynshall** » 25 Jul 2006, 16:36

Will replacing all the bulbs cause the digital display to light or is there a
bulb hidden below the face plate board.

Thanks

Tim Jones · Post by **Tim Jones** » 03 Aug 2006, 11:50

I snagged this tip pokin' around on the web looking for a replacement bulb. The repair itself is typical once you get the bulb.
I jotted down the Honda part number and took a drive to the local Honda dealer. However, the Volvo dealer was next door to the Honda dealer. So, I went in to the Volvo parts counter first. I was told that Volvo doesn't list or supply replacement bulbs for the radio at all. Their fix is to replace the radio on an exchange program. I didn't even ask the price, because I was sure it would be laughingly astronomical for a simple light bulb problem. So, to the Honda dealer. Yep! Got one. $4.11. Twenty minutes after getting home, it was done.
The tip with the Honda part number was just the ticket. Slight difference in the plastic base, as the Volvo unit has a recess for the gell to fit into. I just trimmed the small difference off the gell to allow a non protruding snug fit and all is well.

Bottom line- THANKS FOR THE TIP!!

It's things like this that make the internet all the more wonderful as a tool for us home mechanics. I could have been pokin around for a long time, trying to get a bulb from a wrecking yard or "approved radio repair station".

Thanks again,

Tim

cwicker1 · Post by **cwicker1** » 29 Aug 2006, 17:08

As luck would have it, I also have the bulb out in MY Honda Accord. Would you tell how to do that job also?
And, many thanks for this tip; that burnt-out bulb WAS driving me crazy!!

Eric Griesinger · Post by **Eric Griesinger** » 04 Sep 2006, 19:53

Outstanding scope of work by Anthony! I had exactly the same problem and corrected it EXACTLY as per Anthony's description ... almost down to the minute!

Post by **am0220** » 04 Sep 2006, 21:04

Thanks to all and I'm glad I finally remembered to photograph the process & take the time to post. I encourage anyone who can to please do the same .... you never know what I'll need to repair next! To quote Tim Jones, "It's things like this that make the internet all the more wonderful as a tool for us home mechanics." I couldn't agree more. I've learned a lot of valuable info from this site, so a special THANKS TO MATT FOR HOSTING IT FOR US!

To Mynshall: Yes. Luckily, this unit is LCD and a couple of these bulbs also light up the display. Man, not being able to see the stations at all would reeeeaally drive me nuts. Don't be afraid to give it a go.

To cwicker1: To replace the Accord light, the entire black clock mount with the hazard flasher switch pops out the front. Slide something thin, like a putty knife, under the clock assembly and gently pry out. Don't forget to cover the putty knife with a cloth or something so it doesn't scratch. The directions for removing the bulb & replacing are basically the same. I'm trying to recall this from memory, but if you search online there is a good page with photos on this as well. I do remember it was easy! Good luck!

gdict · Post by **gdict** » 16 Sep 2006, 14:50

Great information! I have been dreading even looking into this project for fear that it was going to involve soldering and major surjery. Who knew they just popped in like that.

The Honda connection makes a lot of sense since the stereos in the 850 and early V/S series cars were all made by Matsushita... the same supplier as Honda stereos.

On a side note, if anyone is looking to add an iPod interface to their car, I have been very happy with the USASPEC PA11-HON interface. You can get them from IPD or Crutchfield electronics. The only beef I have is that you have to pay extra for a Volvo adapter cable and buy the "Honda" interface. They could very well just sell the same interface with a different cable and not have to charge an extra $30. My emails to them complaining about this went unanswered...

Cheers!

Greg