Hello All,

I know this is an 850 column, and I do have two 850s, but I'm hoping someone can help me with a problem on my 1999 XC. My XC has dual climate control, with two temperature dials on the dashboard that are directly above the radio. The bulb that illuminates the lower half of the dial closest to the passenger side has gone out. My question is: How do I gain access to that bulb, and is there a web site where I can obtain pictures/instructions how to change that bulb?

I know how to remove the radio below (SC-815 model) but I don't think that will give me access to the bulbs behind the temperature dials. Thanks to all who respond.

Hugh

Hugh,
Pull out the radio, then grab the ECC unit from the back and pull it straight out. It is pressuer fitted, no screws holding it in.

Then remove the dials and the face plate. The bulbs are on the circuit board and visible at that point.

To keep the bulbs from burning out in the future, do not set the dash lights to 100% brightness. 80% or so will double the bulb life.

Klaus
--
Common sense trumps a PhD

Klaus,

Your instructions worked like a charm. Those replacement bulbs from Volvo are not cheap. The blubs are more than $6 each and the entire panel (both dials) takes 4 bulbs. The other 3 bulbs were getting the "brown" ring in the white plastic beneath the bulb, so they were on their way out.

So I replaced them all. Thanks again for our help.

Hugh

Those same bulbs are about $4 at Honda. Never buy lightbulbs at a dealer unless you have to! They usually add a zero to the cost of a single bulb.

Next time do a search and you should find a few additional answers. I am glad it worked for you.

Klaus
--
Common sense trumps a PhD

Klaus,

I may stop by a local Honda dealer I pass sometimes. I stopped at Radio Shack to see if they had a similar bulb. No luck. I'll keep a sample bulb with me and every time I pass an auto parts store I'll pop in and see if there is a generic bulb.

I've noticed the bulbs that illuminated the front seat warmers (which are used on some of the dashboard switches) have just recently gotten ridicously expensive. I think it's a scheme by Ford to milk Volvo for all its worth before it sells the brand.

Hugh

Those micro bulbs are at radio shack for $1.50 for a package of 2. #7219.

Klaus
--
Common sense trumps a PhD

Klaus,


Thanks for this info. I'll try again with Radio Shack with the part # you've given me. When the bulbs on my SC-815 radio go, I just replace them with bulbs that I purchase at Radio Shack. That has saved me a fortune.

Again, thanks I really appreciate your advice and assistance.

Hugh

Micro bulbs are for switches, etc. Not for the radio or ECC.
--
Common sense trumps a PhD

Klaus,

I haven't purchased the bulbs yet, so thanks for the "heads up".

Hugh

Klaus,

Thanks. I'll try it today. I appreciate your advice. I don't want to break anything in the process.

Hugh

If it's anything like the 850 you'll have to take the whole unit out and take it apart.

Fixit 2002,

Thanks. I'll try my luck.

Hugh