'96 850 Dash Illumination Lights & Interior Lights

zbyers · Post by **zbyers** » 02 Sep 2012, 17:52

Recently my dash lights started cutting out. If I move the little slider around that dims the lights, it will turn back on temporarily, but then shut off again. If I wedge something under it, they will stay on. I checked the wires and they aren't frayed or anything and they are getting power. I believe the little knob that is used to slide it is broken, or has a bad connection. I can't find anywhere to buy a new/replacement switch for it. Is there any way I could repair it myself? Or a website someone could lead me to so I can find one? I also need to get some bulbs for the lights inside of the dash fixture. Is there a site or a parts store (such as AutoZone) where they would be readily available?

My interior lights (above the doors, glove box lights, etc) don't work as well. Every time I put in a 10amp fuse in slot number 15 in the fuse box, the lights will come on, but once I close a door, the trunk, or the hood, it blows the fuse. All of the lights inside do work as long as I don't open/close anything. I've read multiple other threads regarding these issues but haven't found anything of help. What is the possible cause and solutions in regards to this issue? I'm not very electrically inclined, so any information regarding either of these issues would be of tremendous help.

Thanks,
Zack

Post by **Ozark Lee** » 02 Sep 2012, 23:04

You can try to use some contact cleaner on the slider, just shoot it into the slot and then move the slider back and forth a dozen times or so. I grab them from the Pick-N-Pull every time a new car comes in and I'm there as they all tend to fail.

The switch illumination lamps have their own unique sockets and Volvo wants an arm and a leg for them. I just use the Radio Shack replacement lamps mounted into the original sockets. The Radio Shack part number is 272-1092 and they come in 2 packs for around $2.00.

...Lee

zbyers · Post by **zbyers** » 03 Sep 2012, 00:18

I'll try cleaning the slider in the morning. Thanks for the suggestion.

As for the lamp, that part number doesn't look as if it's the correct one. (It might be.) The one's I'm looking for are the bulbs for the parking brake, ABS, TRACS, etc that are in the instrument clutter.

Zack

cambiecbc · Post by **cambiecbc** » 03 Sep 2012, 00:35

Hi, I just replaced the dash broken lights and fixed odometer with new gear.
A package was bought from eBay.

All larger light bulbs were replaced and some small ones also replaced.

You have to carefully soldered the wires of smaller ones.

zbyers · Post by **zbyers** » 03 Sep 2012, 11:50

I got all of the bulbs changed and functioning. Thanks for the help with that.

The slider still isn't working correctly. I'm probably just going to go Pittsburgh at the end of the month and hit up a junkyard down there. There's nothing in the local yards.

Next project to tackle is my ABS/TRACS problem..