'98 V70 NA 5 spd -- Flickering Dash Lights

Post by **E Showell** » 08 May 2014, 07:30

So I've written about flickering dash lights before in what I believe to be the context of worn alternator brushes.

Now, I have a different problem. In contrast to the fading in and out from worn alternator brushes, I am now getting a momentary blink out and come back. The dash has been creaking and groaning for a while now and I'm concerned that what I am seeing now is a loose connection to the gauge cluster. If that's the problem, anyone know where the power plugs in to the cluster?

Can I fix a loose connection without removing the gauge cluster?

Any thoughts?

Thanks.

drgswede1978 · Post by **drgswede1978** » 08 May 2014, 07:54

The connection is right on the top below the dash. So it's a dash out job to get to them. If your switches are also blinking it will be a faulty dimmer switch. Worth checking.

Post by **E Showell** » 08 May 2014, 08:09

Switches not blinking as far as I can tell.

If it is a dash-out job, I might as well plan to cure the creaking/fix the mounting points to the extent I can.

Although I still get decent A/C with an annual system recharge (that dissipates by late October), if I'm in that deep anyway, does it make sense to replace the A/C evaporator? Also, not to succumb to shipwrights syndrome, if I'm replacing the evaporator, does it make sense to replace other A/C system components as well?

I have a bunch of gauge lightbulbs that have burned out as well. I suppose it makes sense to replace them at the same time. I'm leaning toward replacing every single bulb as opposed to those that are burned out. Any reason not to replace every bulb?

drgswede1978 · Post by **drgswede1978** » 08 May 2014, 08:40

Up to you but it's only the top of the dash that needs to come off. Quite easy. Just glove box out then airbag on passenger side disconnected. Make sure you've disconnected the battery first. Then it's torx screws behind vents and speakers.

Post by **E Showell** » 08 May 2014, 08:54

OK -- so it isn't the entire dash, then? I imagine removal of the gauge cluster will give me access to bulbs for replacement. It is possible this is simply amped up (pun intended) symptoms of impending alternator failure, but it is a flickering of an entirely different character than previously noted -- which was a sort of lessening of the intensity of the bulb glow with RPM, as opposed to an intermittent all or nothing flickering.

Ignition switch has been previously replaced as has ABS module, so I don't think it is failure there. Additionally, I checked the battery cable under the fuse box a while back and it looked spotless and intact so I do not believe it is a battery cable issue.

P.S. Battery was replaced with new last week, since I was having starting issues and was on month 72 of a 75 month battery.

My vote is loose wiring connection due to dash movement, or failing alternator.

How long should it take me to get the dash top off?

Post by **xHeart** » 08 May 2014, 10:15

E Showell wrote:...
I have a bunch of gauge lightbulbs that have burned out as well. I suppose it makes sense to replace them at the same time. I'm leaning toward replacing every single bulb as opposed to those that are burned out. Any reason not to replace every bulb?

I replaced each bulb, did not notice the cool illuminated dash before this repair in 2010.
IPD sells a kit for it http://www.ipdusa.com/products/4709/109979-850-odometer-gear-with-instructional-video-dash-light-bulbs

Post by **rmmagow** » 08 May 2014, 10:20

I did my 98 V70 in oh about 2 to 4 hours but with frequent beer breaks. Sort of a fun job because it looks so drastic but really it isn't that bad. Disconnect the battery first and don't reconnect until the air bag passenger side is reconnected or you will get an SRS. I replaced ALL the bulbs I could find using the kit from FCP I think.

Post by **alschnertz** » 08 May 2014, 10:35

I'd check the dimmer switch too as already suggested.
That was a problem on my 854T and was definitely easier to replace than removing the instrument cluster.
However, this would not fix your broken bulbs.

Post by **cn90** » 08 May 2014, 10:43

Check all ground cables (battery, engine etc.).

If you need dash bulb DIY, I wrote one a years ago:
https://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/forums ... hp?t=28344

Post by **E Showell** » 08 May 2014, 10:43

Al -- What exactly did you do to "check" the dimmer switch. Was it a straight replacement or was there some sort of testing you were able to do to verify that it was good/bad? Bear in mind, my knowledge of electrical systems amounts to knowing that the lights go on when the light switch is flipped. I've heard of volts, amps, ohms, resistance and continuity as well as open and short circuits, but I've just about laid bare my knowledge of electricity in this post.

cn90 -- saw your write-up. Very helpful and informative. I am sure it will be my bible when diving in for the work.

Is there a less expensive LED alternative to the IPD kit? somebody mentioned a site something like autoelectrical, where it seemed like you'd have to put together you're own equivalent of an IPD kit -- just wondering whether it would be any cheaper.

Additionally, if I go the LED route, will the dimmer switch still work with the LED since I do find myself adjusting the brightness of the dash illumination from time to time.

Plus, given the significant expense of LEDs over regular bulbs, is it really worth going with the LEDs if my original bulbs lasted more than 15 years? I doubt the car will last another 15.