Hello All,

The light bulb that illuminates the "time & temperature" display on my dashboard burned out. I know how to pull the instrument cluster out of the dashboard, but don't recall what type of bulb is required to be replaced and whether you just"screw in" the new bulb or have to solder it in. Any advice on what type of bulb to use and how to install it will be much appreciated. Thanks in advance to all who reply.

Hugh

Hello All,

I wanted to give an update to confirm the type of bulb that was required to be replaced to illuminated the time and temperature readings. It was not a "rice" or "wheat" sized bulb that your wrap the copper wires around the bulb holder. Instead it was a standard bulb that Volvo sold. The bulb comes in a black plastic plug that has "wings" on the side that fits into a slot in the instrument panel. It is manufactured by "Osram" with "12/1.2" written under "Osram". The part number for this bulb (per the Volvo dealer invoice) is # 989806. The bulb lists for $4.34 each, as a member of the Volvo Club of America I was afforded a 10% discount resulting in a reduce cost of $3.91. I removed the instrument cluster and in turn replaced the bulb. I now can read the time and temperature as night for which I am thankful.

Thank you to all who responded to my query. I hope my response proves helpful.

Hugh

Don't use 12V lamps, they will burn out fast.

You can find 14V grain of wheat bulbs at Ebay
These bulbs are also used in Volvo rocker switches and easy to change.

They come in slightly different sizes by width and you can get different
current draw. The higher current draw are brighter lamps.

You can get more details at CEC or Eico, lamp manufacturer websites.

B.B.,

Thank you for your response and advice. I have a question, that I shared with Klaus above. Do these bulbs fit into a plastic holder, that you then screws into place or do you secure these bulbs by soldering them in? Thank you in advance for your reply.

Hugh

The 850 uses 14v grain of wheat bulbs that you thread through little holders.
No soldering, just trim the excess ends and twist them back into their socket hole.
These are used in rocker switches, and maybe your clock.

The miniature bulbs in the instrument cluster are wedge bulbs, two sizes
and they simply press into the old holders.

for instance, the idiot lights are 14V CEC #E37,
a wedge bulb with a T1-1/2 base.

https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p2380057.m570.l1313&_nkw=cec+E37&_sacat=0

You pull out the dead one, they are not soldered and will rock out of the holder, and press in the new bulb into the old lamp holder.

The larger lights for the instrument panel illumination are CEC #168 wedge bulbs
with a T3-1/4 base

I checked my spare VDO 850 instrument cluster and the idiot lights and clock light are one piece Osram spot welded bulbs and PC sockets.

Call Carlos, at a Chicago area distributor recommended by CEC
C.P. Illumination
847-722-3138

The idiot light and socket is PC37- Box of 10/ $5.00 + shipping
He sells the separate CEC PC sockets and wedge bulbs as well.

compare with dealer prices.

B.B.

Thank you for the detailed information. I've printed it and will save it. You a
saved me a lot of time. I appreciate it very much.

Hugh

There are 2 bulbs for the 'computer - time/date' display. Both are the "rice" grain bulbs which I used to buy at radio shack. They are inserted into a bulb holder, which is then inserted into the hole and given a 1/4 twist.

The actual power supply from your battery can be up to 14.5V if you turn the display to full brightness, but the bulbs are rated at 12V. You see the problem?

This is the bulb you want: a T-1 12V .06A, #7219

Sample:
https://www.bulbtown.com/7219_Miniature_Bulb_Wire_Terminal_Base_p/7219.htm

Radio shack used to have them, but Radio Shack is gone...
BTW, the copper leads are cut to size as they are much too long.
--
Keeping it running is better than buying new

Klaus,

Thank you. I remember buying those bulbs at Radio Shack before it disappeared. Do the bulbs fit into a white plastic holder, that you screw in, or do you have to solder them into place? Thank you for the bulb reference information.

Hugh

No soldering.
--
Keeping it running is better than buying new