Volvo AWD 850 Forum

INDEX FOR 10/2025(CURRENT) INDEX FOR 2/2001 850 INDEX

[<<]  [>>]


THREADED THREADED EXPANDED FLAT PRINT ALL
MESSAGES IN THIS THREAD




  REPLY TO THIS MESSAGE    PRINT   SAVE 

Console bulb repacement - Klaus? 850 1995

posted by  alschnertz on  Fri Apr 17 03:27 CST 2015
Author: [PROFILE] [EVERY POST] [THREADS] [BEST POSTS] RSS Feed     [IGNORE ALL POSTS]
last visit: Fri Oct 24 10:32 CST 2014
[RELATED]

I need to replace a few bulbs in the center console of my '95 854T.
Specifically, the ashtray, cigar lighter, gearshift indicator and storage bin/rear floor lamps.

The ashtray and storage bin lamp bases appear to be identical as do the cigar lighter and shift indicator. Dealer or aftermarket replacements cost about $5 ea. and $10 ea. respectively.

Done a little bit of searching and it seems that the bulbs themselves are simply microlamps that are available at Radio Shack. I can solder well enough.

So one of the searches said that Klaus did a write-up on the procedure. I'm looking for that write up. Anyone know where I might find it?








  •   REPLY TO THIS MESSAGE    EDIT   PRINT   SAVE 

    posted by  someone claiming to be on  Wed Dec 31 18:00 CST 1969 [RELATED]

    Well, I decided to give the Radio Shack microbulbs a try.
    Part no. 272-1092 $1.50 for a package of 2 bulbs.

    Here's some info off the package...
    Rated voltage 12V; Rated current 60mA; Lamp type 7219; Bulb type T-1; Base size and style 1-inch wire terminals; Brightness 0.15 MSCP; Average life hours 10,000.

    I ground off the bulb-wire pigtails from the bulb holder and removed the bulb.
    Slid in the new bulb and wire pigtails and soldered to the existing spade connectors in the existing holder. Took probably about an hour to replace the bulbs in the holders. Maybe another hour to remove/replace the console.

    So now I have all the console lights working. I realize 14v lamps would probably be better, but I can always change them in the future now that I know how to do this. We'll see how long they last.


    Mark this post as an answer to my question<- Use this feature to mark quality replies to your post.





    •   REPLY TO THIS MESSAGE    EDIT   PRINT   SAVE 

      posted by  someone claiming to be on  Wed Dec 31 18:00 CST 1969 [RELATED]

      Good job,

      The average life is rated at 12V and if you run the light dimmer at a low
      setting they'll last longer, since over voltage is what does in filament lamps.
      Remember the system charging volts are at 14.

      Bill



      Mark this post as an answer to my question<- Use this feature to mark quality replies to your post.





      •   REPLY TO THIS MESSAGE    EDIT   PRINT   SAVE 

        posted by  someone claiming to be on  Wed Dec 31 18:00 CST 1969 [RELATED]

        Yes, I was aware the the alt. puts out 14+ volts and that will likely blow the bulbs prematurely. Though I'm not sure if the console bulbs are regulated by the rheostat. I'll look into that.

        I've run the instrument lights "dimmed" for a few years now and will continue to do so.

        Thanks for the comments.


        Mark this post as an answer to my question<- Use this feature to mark quality replies to your post.





        •   REPLY TO THIS MESSAGE    EDIT   PRINT   SAVE 

          posted by  someone claiming to be on  Wed Dec 31 18:00 CST 1969 [RELATED]

          It seems that the Volvo engineers were at fault here. The dimmer switch for the instrument cluster includes all of the dash lights as well as the center console. The problem there is that the rheostat will allow 14V+ (alternator output) when on the maximum setting and the bulbs will burn out at about 5,000 hours or less.

          The shifter bulb, ashtray, lighter, are at 14V as they do not go through the rheostat and are subjected to the alternator output. These bulbs are always on when the headlight switch is turned on (DRL exempted). Because the ignition switch turns off the headlights when the engine is turned off, many owners leave the headlight switch on permanently, decreasing the life of the 14V bulbs.

          It's too bad that LEDs cannot be used instead. It is difficult to find LEDs that are small enough to fit in the tight spaces. Perhaps "B.B." can find a solution, as he is well into replacing all of the other lights in his 850 with LEDs.

          Reminds me of the 240 problem, the tiny bulbs in the rocker switches creating so much heat that the switches melt or deform. Someone solved that problem with LEDs.
          --
          My back feels better when I sit in a Volvo seat



          Mark this post as an answer to my question<- Use this feature to mark quality replies to your post.





  •   REPLY TO THIS MESSAGE    EDIT   PRINT   SAVE 

    posted by  someone claiming to be on  Wed Dec 31 18:00 CST 1969 [RELATED]

    If you look closely, the shift and ashtray light bulbs are 14V so they don't burn out so easily. I couldn't find any good replacements on the market so I had to kill my wallet and shop at the dealer. Yep, those crooks charged $10 each!

    The micro bulbs I bought at RadioShack (#7219 and in a drawer with 2 bulbs per package) are 12V and get inserted into the bulb holder - no soldering. They have long wire leads that wrap around the plastic holder base and cut to length. I used the micro bulbs for the instrument cluster, all of the switch lights, etc.

    --
    My back feels better when I sit in a Volvo seat



    Mark this post as an answer to my question<- Use this feature to mark quality replies to your post.





  •   REPLY TO THIS MESSAGE    EDIT   PRINT   SAVE 

    posted by  someone claiming to be on  Wed Dec 31 18:00 CST 1969 [RELATED]

    There's different "grain of wheat lamps" and what you want is the 14 volt variety.
    Look on Ebay and get a bag of 100 for short money. These bulbs thread into little
    twist lock holders in all of the dash switches and all you need is a good pair of
    small sidecutters. (What you DONT want is the 12 Volt version since they will
    go away too fast)

    The shift bulb is another story, maybe you could solder in a grain of wheat lamp
    or try LEDs being aware that you have to have polarity correct.

    You can get LED replacements for your car, some are huge improvements with better
    light and less drain on the alternator, with a much longer life. Some of the offerings are better than others, but generally LEDs make the OEM bulbs obsolete. More info on request.

    Bill



    Mark this post as an answer to my question<- Use this feature to mark quality replies to your post.




<< < > >>



©Jarrod Stenberg 1997-2022. All material except where indicated.


All participants agree to these terms.

Brickboard.com is not affiliated with nor sponsored by AB Volvo, Volvo Car Corporation, Volvo Cars of North America, Inc. or Ford Motor Company. Brickboard.com is a Volvo owner/enthusiast site, similar to a club, and does not intend to pose as an official Volvo site. The official Volvo site can be found here.