Instrument Cluster Bulbs Loose

[850&S80]

Hi Folks,

Well the gear on my odometer broke on my 96 850 and after a ridiculous price from the dealer to fix a little gear, I figured I would give a try, The whole job took less than two hours and my 13 year old son did most of the work.

This is really easy. Just follow the instuctions from the FCP Groten site. I disconnected the battery since my son was helping. No need to pull the passenger side airbag or loosen anything on that side. Turn the vents so they face the floor and they pop right out.

http://www.fcpgroton.com/volvo850gearinstructions.htm

The gear can be found under the miscellaneous parts section under 850/S70.

The only hitch was that you need a really small torx wrench for the back of the odometer to get to the gear. I used an allen wrench type tool with many small torx ends. I think I had to go down to a 4.5 or so.

Since the clock bulb was out I replaced that along with all the other bulbs in the cluster. When we hooked everything back up the tachometer side bulb was out. So we pulled the cluster again giggled it and it stayed on.

Now the left hand side bulb by the fuel gauge is going on and off.

So i have to go in for a third time to get it back on. I should be able to just reach my hand back without pulling out the cluster.

Is there a trick that I am missing to get these bulbs to stay tight !

[Oreo931]

When I replaced my odometer gear, I decided not to replace the light bulbs. That night, I turned on the headlights and low and behold the right side of the cluster was out. My alternative to taking it all out again was a swift bang on the top of the instrument cluster (not the plastic part, the actual dash pad). Tada! Lights came right on, never had a problem since. Maybe you should try this before removing it again.

:)

[matt b]

When I replaced my odometer gear, I decided not to replace the light bulbs. That night, I turned on the headlights and low and behold the right side of the cluster was out. My alternative to taking it all out again was a swift bang on the top of the instrument cluster (not the plastic part, the actual dash pad). Tada! Lights came right on, never had a problem since. Maybe you should try this before removing it again.

Yeah.... You show that dash Adam.

You'll need to remove the cluster again. My advice would be to run to the dealer and buy all new bulbs (they don't cost much, but if you have an issue buying from a dealer, IPD carries them as well). I did that when I changed my blue gear and avoided all the headaches of blown bulbs like I had after the smaller gear change.

The bulbs turn a 1/4 turn into their slots, so you may have knocked it loose or not put it back in properly after removing it. If they're not staying in place, push the small tabs on the bulb holder up a hair, it'll help them make better contact with the board.

[850&S80]

Yes, I did install all new bulbs from the dealer.

I will give the dash a good wack first.

I will try to make sure they are seated better if that doesn't work!

Thanks.

[jdlc]

Yes, I did install all new bulbs from the dealer.

I will give the dash a good wack first.

I will try to make sure they are seated better if that doesn't work!

Thanks.

Hi, for my 850, I have the part # as 966326 1.2 Bulb & socket (Trip Computer) & 942571 3w Bulb ('main' cluster bulbs) from somewhere before (Bay 13 I think), do I have them right? Are they dealer only parts and how much are they? How many did you need for each (my other bulbs are all functional - turn arrows, all indicator lights like CEL, ABS, etc. and since they are normally off, plan to just leave them alone).

Thanks

[850&S80]

Hi, for my 850, I have the part # as 966326 1.2 Bulb & socket (Trip Computer) & 942571 3w Bulb ('main' cluster bulbs) from somewhere before (Bay 13 I think), do I have them right? Are they dealer only parts and how much are they? How many did you need for each (my other bulbs are all functional - turn arrows, all indicator lights like CEL, ABS, etc. and since they are normally off, plan to just leave them alone).

Thanks

I just went to the dealer I bought 4 bulbs 942571 at $2.19 per bulb $8.76 total. These go straight across the back of the cluster. For less than $10 you would be foolish not to replace them in my opinion.

I don't have the trip computer and my bulb number was different 989806. Either way you are looking at less than $3 for that bulb too.

My turn signal bulbs actually looked brand new. Considering how long they are on vs the dash lights they probably last a very long time. I believe they are 942571 too so it's up to you about the turn signals.

[jdlc]

I just went to the dealer I bought 4 bulbs 942571 at $2.19 per bulb $8.76 total. These go straight across the back of the cluster. For less than $10 you would be foolish not to replace them in my opinion.

I don't have the trip computer and my bulb number was different 989806. Either way you are looking at less than $3 for that bulb too.

My turn signal bulbs actually looked brand new. Considering how long they are on vs the dash lights they probably last a very long time. I believe they are 942571 too so it's up to you about the turn signals.

Hey, thanks. That's not so bad, I thought it will be expensive like the shifter bulb that cost around $10. I guess I will replace as much as I can while in there. Btw, I was referring to the individual bulbs for all indicator lights (CEL, ABS, fluid level, etc) when I said I'll leave them alone since they are all normally off.

Thanks again.

[Smithwicks]

Hey, thanks. That's not so bad, I thought it will be expensive like the shifter bulb that cost around $10. I guess I will replace as much as I can while in there. Btw, I was referring to the individual bulbs for all indicator lights (CEL, ABS, fluid level, etc) when I said I'll leave them alone since they are all normally off.

Thanks again.

Speaking of the shifter bulb how hard is that to replace?

[jdlc]

Speaking of the shifter bulb how hard is that to replace?

Bulb itself just pulls out. It's the center console that is a bit of a hassle to remove. There is a Bay13 write up for x70, not sure if there is any write-up for 850's. I've done both.

For the 850, I needed to remove the coin tray using L-shaped torx driver because there is not a lot of room - the torx screws are behind the coin slots which just pulls-out. Then, under the cover inside the center console arm-rest compartment, there are two more torx screws. The entire console can then be lifted-up (you need to put the key to pos ii so you can move the shifter, assuming AT, and you also need to pull-out the plastic cover in the park-brake area). You may need to disconnect some connectors to fully lift-out the console or you may get away with just lifting it up a bit with someone holding it while you replace the bulb. Mine is 94 855, not sure if it's the same for all 850s. It's not that bad, just don't forget to connect back the connectors if you disconnect them.

[matt b]

Bulb itself just pulls out. It's the center console that is a bit of a hassle to remove. There is a Bay13 write up for x70, not sure if there is any write-up for 850's. I've done both.

For the 850, I needed to remove the coin tray using L-shaped torx driver because there is not a lot of room - the torx screws are behind the coin slots which just pulls-out. Then, under the cover inside the center console arm-rest compartment, there are two more torx screws. The entire console can then be lifted-up (you need to put the key to pos ii so you can move the shifter, assuming AT, and you also need to pull-out the plastic cover in the park-brake area). You may need to disconnect some connectors to fully lift-out the console or you may get away with just lifting it up a bit with someone holding it while you replace the bulb. Mine is 94 855, not sure if it's the same for all 850s. It's not that bad, just don't forget to connect back the connectors if you disconnect them.

It's the same for all 850's, sedan and wagon. It's the same procedure if you're replacing the handbrake switch.

As for the dash lights, the dealer has them all, and even the indicator lights are cheap. I think I was told $1.20/bulb when I checked a year ago.