All dash, auto trans shift indicator, and rear floor courtesy light [in the console with the handbrake] work. None of the lights around the HVAC controls below the radio works. I checked fuse 16 and it appears ok, the other circuit it serves is the right rear parking light and that works. The rheostat dimmer for the dash lights works and is in the bright position. I can't imagine all bulbs went out - any suggestions? What is the access to the HVAC bulbs?
Any ideas appreciated.

THX Bob, I followed your instructions to get access to the center HVAC area, very clear, no problems. All 3 bulbs had failed. My guess is 1] age - I've had the car going on 10 yrs and never changed them and 2] I recently installed a rebuilt alternator and new battery which could have accelerated the process due to increased voltage.

Hey 0-cat,

Those teeny weeny bulbs, that are used everywhere, it sems, can fail after unpteen years with just a hard look. I usually have a bunch in BGVPD.

Glad you found the problem.

Regards,

Bob

:>)

Bulbs failed: Yep; had some spares "in inventory" so I din't even need to go shopping. THX for the great step-by-step for getting access. My first time in that area. That made the whole project 'no tears' no four letter words and everything went back together like the day she was built. Bricks are so great to work on.

Looking at the 1988 Volvo Wiring Diagram Green book -

Note - read this whole thing before disassembling anything.

There are several circuits involved. The one you have non-op is separable from the others .

Look at the back side of the dash light dimmer - two terminals.

58b, identified by a green wire (from fuse #16) and a white-red wire that goes to the rear ashtray light and the rear fasten seabelt light. That circuit does not dim.

The other terminal, 58a, has two brown wires. One goes to the light in the shifter well. The other goes to a connector that looks to be behind the control panel and below the center air vents. It has one brown wire on one side, two on the other.

Of the two wires from one terminal, one is coming from the dimmer, the other goes to a small clock (if you have one) and also the three lights illuminating the instrument cluster.

The single brown wire from that connector goes to the control panel's three bulbs. That's the one you need to trace. Those three lights are (1) center at top of panel, lights all the rocker switch panel things, (2) light behind the heat/cold control, (3) light behing the three buttons.

You will need to get in back of the control panel to check things. Easy.

First remove the coin tray. Use care, go slow. Using a wide flat-tip screwdriver or a stiff putty knife, pry upwards on the ends of the tray. Work the pry towards the center of the tray from each end. The tray will bend, but not much. You will see the points of attachment. When installing, bend the tray a little in the other direction and squeeze the attachment points into place. The reverse bend will ensure that the tray is tight.

Next remove the two screws below the bottom storage space or lower mounted radio. Nest, use a lasrge flat tip screwdriver and remove (1/4 turn) the plastic holder things at the lower corners of the kick panel. Last, remove the bolts on the side where the upper corner of the kick panel attaches. Now you can pull the entire panel rearwards a few inches.

You may want to disconnect the battery negative cable, I don't because I want to see the little lights go on. Helps to find them, and determine if they are burnt out.

Use a flashlight to see down in there, and visually trace the brown wires. You may find that the three bulbs light, but they are out of their holders. Or they may be burnt out. I have never found the connector unhooked, or a wire compromised.

Good Luck,

Bob

:>)