'98 V70 NA 5 spd -- Flickering Dash Lights

[E Showell]

I realized this could be clearer. I am not talking about any of the various warning lights coming on and going off. Rather, I am referring to the dash illumination fading out and coming back in all at once.

[alschnertz]

It's been a few years, and I don't really remember if I did any diagnostics. Normally I do.
But if I remember, I couldn't make heads or tails of the dimmer switch. I do remember opening it up to see if there was anything obvious that was amiss.
Here's what the inside looks like...

854T Dimmer switch

I remember thinking "why does a rheostat have to be so complicated?"
In the end, I swapped in a junkyard dimmer. I think I picked up 2 at the yard. One was also no good.
However, the one I put in there has been fine.
It was easy to change, just pry gently on the bottom of the switch with a screwdriver and it popped out of the dash. I think it was that simple.

[E Showell]

So the flickering appears to have been due to a loose gauge cluster connection. Replaced the 4 "194" bulbs and pulled the annoying service light bulb. With diligence, the job can be accomplished in about a half hour -- not more than 45 min. Hardest part was re-threading the airbag 10 mm bolts. They just did not want to seat.

[xHeart]

So the flickering appears to have been due to a loose gauge cluster connection.
...

Photos?

[E Showell]

No need. cn90 did a dash removal/bulb replacement write-up a while back that I could not top. So that resource already exists on the board.

[E Showell]

I spoke too sonn. Still have wicked dash light flickering. Possible this is coming from a bad ignition switch? I don't have any other symptoms of a bad ignition switch.

Also, my independent mech. advised against replacing the alternator voltage regulator notwithstanding that the 100 amp. BOSCH alternator is only putting out 13.2 volts under load. I understand the spec. should be closer to 13.5V. He says he sees Volvos all the time putting out around 13.1 to 13.2 and they seem to be fine.

He did not flat out refuse to do it, but said I'd be wasting my repair money.

Any thoughts?

[xHeart]

The switch fails incrementally.
I replaced it after a year of observation last May 2013...
more here with symptoms https://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=55868

[E Showell]

Already replaced the ignition switch once -- albeit a while ago. I guess it could be time for a redo. Anybody know how long they usually last? I don't have heavy keys hanging from the switch.