Klaus,

Thanks. Once again thanks to you and others I'm spared a fortune in labor charges to make simple repairs.

A separate issue. I posted a question on the XC board but haven't gotten a response yet. Maybe you might have an answer or some insight. I have a '99 XC. I have replaced the sun visor on the driver's side 3 times because the light bulbs that illuminate the vanity mirror keep burning out or stop working. It's only on the passenger side (of course theorectically that side should get more use than the passenger side - hint my bride uses the vanity mirror to confirm her beauty) I don't have this problem with the passenger side - in fact I have the original visor still on that side. The bulbs unfortunately are in a sealed lens and you can't get access to them without destroying the lens/mirror assembly. Hence, I've forced to replace the complete sun visor 3 times in order restore lights.

Have you ever heard of this problem? Do you know of any inexpensive way to replace these bulbs, shy of buying a new sun visor? Also, I know the electrical cord that powers the bulbs runs down the "A" column. Do you know of any source that shows how to remove the panel that attaches to the "A" column (it covers the cable)? Sorry for the long post, but with your wealth of personal knowledge combined with my frustration with this chronic problem I'm desperate. I like for everything on my Volvos to work properly. As you know, these cars are "maintenance hogs". That's a quote I heard a long time ago on this web site that rang true and stuck in my mind.

Hugh