Dash lights out, not dimmer or headlight switch

blandis · Post by **blandis** » 29 May 2009, 15:40

Few weeks ago dash and console lights went out going down highway on my 98 s70.

I figured it was a fuse. Checked it and fuse is fine... should be on same one as sunroof correct? Sunroof works fine. I check all the other fuses I could think of all good.

Lights did work two other times after that, first time for about 3 seconds, and second time for less than a minute. Now they are totally done.

I changed both headlight switch and dimmer and neither corrected the problem.

Thanks in advance for your help.

Brad
98 S70 GLT

Post by **vegasjetskier** » 29 May 2009, 16:38

Here's a wiring diagram. It looks like several fuses and maybe a couple relays are involved.

: S70InstrumentLighting1998.jpg (59.24 KiB) Viewed 12410 times

blandis · Post by **blandis** » 31 May 2009, 15:27

Checked all the fuses and all good.

Not an EE, so may need some advice as to how to read the electrical diagram and how to trouble shoot.

Thanks again.

Post by **vegasjetskier** » 31 May 2009, 16:52

You can try replacing relays 105 (highlighted in blue) and 106 (highlighted in red) in the following diagram. The problem is more likely to be 106. Some of the relays in the box are interchangable, but I'm not sure which ones. I think 105, 106 and 107 are the same. You could take them out and make sure they're the same, then swap locations just for test purposes. I.E. take the 107 relay and put it in position 106 just to see if your lights come on. If they do, you know 106 was bad and you need to get a new relay. Make sure you put the relays back in their correct locations. Don't try it if the relays are different, however.

: S70DIMLightRelayLocations1998.jpg (58.13 KiB) Viewed 12390 times

Also check fuses 11A/2, 11A/6, 11C/6, 11C/26, and 11C/35.

JPMCT · Post by **JPMCT** » 21 Jul 2009, 20:29

I am having the same problem on my 850, any luck on any of those fuses or relays? Mine will work for a second or two when you first turn on the car, then they will go out. Turn the car on and off again after the first start and they wont come on at all. Ive tried the headlight switch and dimmer switch as well.

mickyrigit · Post by **mickyrigit** » 21 Sep 2009, 03:44

Car 1997 VOLVO 850, 138,000 miles. Intermitten issue with dash lights dimming while driving, then they come back on and works for while again.
I will be driving and my radio shuts off, lights dim, and the engine dies. Any ideas?
All DASH LIGHTS started dimming intermittently while driving; or when driving at low speeds while switching between Reverse and Drive.
* LOW BEAMS would dim as well. When changing to high beams it would kill the engine.
* TURN SIGNAL sounds slow when waiting to turn;
New battery, New terminal connectors to battery,second RED wire on the battery terminal is nice n' tight. Alternator was tested good. Switched out headlamp switch,

Post by **RobTheModd** » 21 Sep 2009, 14:41

... Have any of you tried to wiggle your keys.......

Make sure it is aligned with the II

BlackThunder · Post by **BlackThunder** » 22 Sep 2009, 07:21

Same problem in my Volvo 850. I tried to replace the thermostat console lights as suggested but then the lights behind my instrument cluster time and temperature came back on. Weird. So I left it. Something tells me that since my lights went out on the thermostat console and no lights on the headlight switch, door lock switch, fog light switch, or sun roof switch that something else is wrong.

Also, sometimes when I turn my 1997 850 on that the head lights don't come on right away - that might be something. New relay?

Side note: Seat warmers don't work either. This could be a recall that never got recalled.

Dustin

FCPEURO · Post by **FCPEURO** » 22 Sep 2009, 08:06

I would looks at your ignition switch. Time and time again, this is the issue with the headlights going out and the car just turning off. If you jiggle the key and the headlights start working again, this is the issue. You can find the part here.

Post by **RobTheModd** » 22 Sep 2009, 11:52

FCPGroton wrote:I would looks at your ignition switch. Time and time again, this is the issue with the headlights going out and the car just turning off. If you jiggle the key and the headlights start working again, this is the issue. You can find the part here.

THANK YOU!! Seriously. Just make sure its on the II Chances are half of you will find this fixes the problem. I have this problem with my 850 right now. I need to get a new one before it is to far gone to just use the alignment. but for now its fine. You get ust to turning the key all the way to the II you dont even notice doing it.