Bulbs, bulbs, bulbs...interior bulbs.

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 18 Jan 2008, 16:49

Just saw this over on another site that might interest those who are wanting to replace interior bulbs that have burned out including dash and radio. I know that Klaus has already posted about Radio Shack bulbs and we know about the Honda bulbs for the radio (in our repair database section) but this might be of help to those especially if you live in an area where these bulbs are hard to access: http://forums.swedespeed.com/zerothread?id=91687

Solutech · Post by **Solutech** » 18 Jan 2008, 17:36

Thanks to the pics in that thread I know which bulbs I need for the switches now the 17mm ones . Going to pop to the local dealer and see what prices are like .

Post by **Maxbaby** » 18 Jan 2008, 18:13

Great post to have found MIJ. I'm going to suggest you consider pinning this post in the repair database so that the link doesn't get lost.

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 18 Jan 2008, 21:00

I am pinning it now but trouble is S.S. forum moves things around as threads get out dated and go into the archives. Let's see how long this lasts.
Regards,
MIJ

perkinsiii · Post by **perkinsiii** » 02 Feb 2008, 18:49

The instrument lights on the Heater/AC panel were burned out. The dealer said I would have to replace the circuit board to get the lights. I took out the circuit board and remove one of the bulbs and put in an 8A bulb. The 8A bulb is about 3/16" longer than the bulb that came out so the board would not go back on the panel. The back of the hole had a plastic "X" on the back so I broke it out giving me plenty of room to put the board back on the panel. Everything put back together and it works great. Both bulbs are the same wattage so the light is the same and the heat should be the same. Hope this helps some one.

1997 Volvo 850 Wagon 131,000 miles. Been 35 years since I owed a Volvo.

Glenspread · Post by **Glenspread** » 11 Apr 2008, 10:37

There are two lights mounted on an easily removable circuit board. The Volvo dealer wants $10 each for the bulbs! These are Osram 12V 1.5w bulbs (also used in Mercedes, BMW, VW, etc.) in a beige plastic base. I got mine for $1.29 each here:

http://www.12velectronics.com/servlet/t ... Categories

1. Pull off the round three knobs (careful not to lose the metal spring clip) and the slider knob.
2. Remove the two Phillips screws.
3. Pull out the face plate (there is a felt tape around its edge that gives it a "friction fit"). You do not need to remove the wiring - just let the plate hang.
4. Carefully move the locking tabs from the odd shaped circuit board while gently pulling the board toward you. The lights untwist from the back.

Post by **Ozark Lee** » 11 Apr 2008, 12:21

http://www.12velectronics.com/servlet/t ... Categories

Nice find!

...Lee

Glenspread · Post by **Glenspread** » 11 Apr 2008, 13:08

Several of my radio lights were dead and I replaced them following the great instructions in this forum:

https://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/volvo_ ... cement.php

I went the Radio Shack route ($1.69/pkg of 2 bulbs #272-1092) and replaced all 5 bulbs for $5.40 - you know the others will die soon enough so do'm all). The OEM bulbs are in a black plastic case that can be reused while watching a CSI episode on TV.

1. Using a razor, carefully cut the melted "mushroom cap" that holds the wire lead that is wound through the base. With my glasses off, I have great microscopic vision!

2. With the tip of the blade, gently pry the wire away from the side of the case and unwind it. Note how it is wound twice around the base - you'll be putting the new one in the same way. Repeat with the other lead.

3. Pull the bulb from the base and twist or push the blue cover off with your thumbnail.

4. Carefully push the blue cover over the new bulb, insert bulb in base.

5. Pull the wire leads tight and wind each twice around the indented area of the base. I didn't solder mine. I just made sure the wire was tightly pushed (small jewelers screwdriver works well) into the circular channel at the top of the base.

Or, you can buy the bulbs assembled using info in the link above.

Glenspread · Post by **Glenspread** » 11 Apr 2008, 13:27

Three of my instrument lights were dead - I guess when lights start to go, the others start to follow. I found some great instructions here:

http://www.seawinds.ws/volvo/instrument_cluster.htm

I replaced all 4 of the main bulbs and the one clock back light bulb. The main bulbs are referred to as W3W "wedge" bulbs. They snap in and out to their holder. Pep Boys, AutoZone and others carry them. Look for Sylvania 2821, 12v 3w. $2.99/pkg of 2.

I bought the clock bulb from Volvo as it was only $2.98 (!!).

TIP: there are a LOT of lights in the instrument cluster. Carefully write down which areas are dead before you take everything apart. You want to avoid having to repeat the removal because you missed one (I did).

Glenspread · Post by **Glenspread** » 11 Apr 2008, 13:29

Does anyone know if the central locking switch (to the left of the steering wheel) has a light? If it does, mine is dead. Any tips on removing replacing that light are welcome.