replacing dash light bulbs

potroast · Post by **potroast** » 16 Jun 2004, 19:24

I have 2 or 3 lights that are burned out on my 1993 Volvo 850's dash. Now, I went to the mechanic and he said bulbs run between $2 and $4 which sounds fine to me... But they want around $100 labor to install them!!! No thank you!

So, the bulbs are behind the climate controls, and one is for the auto-transmission shifter, which lights up what gear you're in.

How would I go about accessing these sections so I can install the bulbs myself. I'd much rather take a day doing it myself, and spend $10 on bulbs instead of having someone else doing it and spending $110...

Help always apprecaited

carlo · Post by **carlo** » 16 Jun 2004, 20:37

have the same problem with '96 850.
i found an excellent site if you are a DYI dude:
http://www.volvospeed.com/volvo_performance.php

good luck!

-carlo, NYC

potroast · Post by **potroast** » 16 Jun 2004, 20:50

thank you for that site -- but I can't find the info I need... Do you have a link to the article on replacing the bulb behind the climate controls? thanks, I seriously looked, but I must be blind

carlo · Post by **carlo** » 17 Jun 2004, 10:05

p,

this is how to gain access to instrument cluster and replace the bulbs:
in volvospeed.com go to "repairs/maintnance" - then go to "trim" - then "850 Instrument Cluster removal "

hope it helps.

-carlo

potroast · Post by **potroast** » 17 Jun 2004, 11:53

okay, again, I am not interested in changing bulbs in the instrument cluster I need to change bulbs in the climate control section.

It doesn't matter anymore, I figured it out, and it is rather easy -- not involving any of the steps of the cluster.

carlo · Post by **carlo** » 18 Jun 2004, 15:50

yes, you're right - i assumed you meant the instruments...

anyhow, what's the trick of getting there - i will need to go in there myself.

thanx.

potroast · Post by **potroast** » 18 Jun 2004, 20:58

I have the Electronic Climate Controls, so the procedure is as follows:

Remove the stereo. If you have the stock Volvo unit, make sure you have your code before you remove power. Next reach into the radio slot, and pull down on the climate control release lever. I found it easier to use one hand to release the lever, and the other to push the unit from the rear. I have large hands, so I know someone with smaller hands could easily do this. The unit will slide out. There are 3 molex connectors on the back of the unit; do not unplug them. I was told from a reputable source that unplugging the 3 molex connectors without first removing power from the battery will damage the ECC. I did not unplug my battery's negative terminal, but there is plenty of slack to remove the ECC and leave it plugged in. There are 4 screws on the trim to remove the front panel, remove the 3 knobs, and slider button, and another 5 to remove the face panel from the front. Then you can easily access the 3 light bulbs. I originally thought only 1 bulb was out, but it ended up being 2, so check before you purchase the bulbs. The Volvo dealership wanted $10 for each bulb, but I found the exact same bulbsat Kragen for $2.50 in a 2-pack... The Kragen bulbs are Sylvania, so it's a good bulb. Assemble in reverse order.

Now, here's the directions for Manual Climate Control:

Remove all three knobs, and the slider button. Behind the temperature knobs each have a screw. Remove this, and the panel will come out. Replace the bulbs.

As you can see, the ECC unit is much more involved than the MCC unit, but the ECC still did not take more than 10 minutes.