Hello to all Volvo Lovers. I just got a 1995 850 after my 940 was wrecked. I realised the dimmer switch is not working and all the panel and cluster lights don't light up. My question, is the dimmer switch is at fault or there is something else and if so how do I get the switch out. I tried every other way to get it out with no success. Many thanks.

My does the same thing! I was thinking the bulb was out? That would great if it was just the slider switch. I do not have any idea about removal or replacement- most other switches "pop" out by prying on them carefully around the edges. Lets see what one of the expert's say-JMM

First, make sure the headlight switch is in the on position. Sounds dumb, but new to 850 folks have thought that the DRLs are headlights and wonder why the highbeams don't stay on :)

As for removing the switches, I find it easiest to push the switches out from behind. I start with prying out the blank next to the fog light switch, push out the fog light switch, then the headlight switch, then the dimmer switch.

Often, it is the fault of the headlight switch that the dash lights refuse to work. It is also a good time to replace the switch bulbs using radio shack #7219 Micro lamps.

Klaus
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Proud owner of a 220S. If I had more room, I would have more Volvos.

My dash lights were intermittent. Turned out the headlight switch was bad, which I confirmed by putting a slight torque on the headlight switch, causing the dash lights to come on solid.

Based on my experience, I would look at the headlight switch as well. My '95 had about 175K on it when it went bad.

Most of the time the dimmer switches will develop a bad spot or just go bad entirely on these cars. They replaced them with a better design in 1998.

Just get a small flathead screwdriver and pry around the edges of the switch and it will pop out without much effort.

There are a number of items in the circuit. Two small swapable black square overcurrent relays in the relay panel, the dimmer switch, the light switch and the ignition switch. I have a '95 also and my dash lights started cutting out after a minute or two. Turned out to be the dimmer switch. It should be relatively easy to pry out.

Brought my new 95 850 home yesterday. Had the headlights (switch) on because is was a little dim outside due to the weather. It was not dark yet, but it looked like the instruments were not lighting up.

Eventually, as it did get dark outside, my dash lights started to flicker. The darker it got outside, the more they flickered on. When it was officially dark outside, they were on, no problems.

Is there a light sensor? When the headlights are on should the dash lights be on? Or is there a sensor that, when the headlights are on, decides whether or not it is really dark outside, thus turning on or off the dash lights?

Once it did get dark, and the dash lights were on, it looked pretty good, but I think quite a few are inop. Probably a couple on the climate control and stereo. Various others, but I'm not sure everything is supposed to light up. Are these lights hard to change?

All advice welcome, thanks for reading....Greg.

No, the dash lights do not know if it is daylight or night time. Above the light switch is the dimmer control. Turn your headlights on and then slide the dimmer sw from off to bright a dozen times or so. Then back off full brightness about 1/4 inch so you don't have a dash that is brighter than your headlights.

ALL of the lights in the dash come on when the headlights are on. That include all of the switches which have micro lamps. For instrument lights that are out, see this:

http://volvospeed.com/Dashremove.php

Klaus
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Praying for Cynthia Amendt, heaven bound

Klaus, I'll play with it a little more, thanks for the input.

God Bless your friend.

Take care.

Switch got broken while trying to remove it. Got one on ebay for ten bucks, now all light on and bright. Thank You all.