97 850 Dash lights not working, rear speakers

dcunited122 · Post by **dcunited122** » 08 May 2008, 01:36

Hello,

All of my dash lights decide when they want to turn on. It seems like they turn off when I go over a bump, but not sure. This includes the climate control settings and all of the lights around the speedometer.

This probably is not related, but none of my rear speakers work either.

Does anyone know what might be the solution to either problem?

Thank you

Solutech · Post by **Solutech** » 08 May 2008, 02:06

Sounds like a loose wiring plug to me . Had a similar problem with my old Rover although that turned out to be the crappy job Rover did on the fuseboard soldering . Check your looms are all secured . Same for the speaker connections at the back of the radio .

bockreiter · Post by **bockreiter** » 08 May 2008, 19:16

If all your dash lights act up in unison, My first thought would be a loose connection at the dimmer switch. There may be better ways of going about to check this conection, but the only one I know is to pull the entire dash board cover off. This includes disconnecting the pasenger side airbag, so disconnecting the battery will be called for as well. The odometer fix thread: https://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/chat/p ... php?t=3879 has detailed directions how to remove the dash board cover. If you don't remove the passenger side airbag, you may only prop the dashboard cover up on the driver side, but not completely remove it. THis may give you sufficient access to the dimmer switch and wiring harness, but it will be akward. I would pull the entire top off and then re-connect the battery. This will allow to test the switch and wiring connections. Also check the ground connection(s). I hope this helps!

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 08 May 2008, 20:59

I believe the dimmer switch can be pried out without the dash coming out from the front with a bone tool or dull knife (cover area except the tip with duct tape to keep from damaging your dash). However, I don't think this is it...I would look at the battery cables at the battery terminal as well as your electrical ground wires under your hood. It could also be a bad battery. When the battery is low strange things happen in these cars.

dcunited122 · Post by **dcunited122** » 09 May 2008, 19:11

ok thanks everyone well see what happens.

dcunited122 · Post by **dcunited122** » 09 May 2008, 20:53

Well all of the connections on the back of the radio are fine, the dimmer switch is fine, the battery connection is fine, the fuses are fine, the ground wires are fine. And I replaced my battery maybe a year and a half ago. So I'm not sure where to look now. Any suggestions?

Thanks