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Volvo 940 switch panel lamps 900 1994

From the FAQ:

"Each instrument switch (fog lamps, antenna, rear defroster, etc.) has either an integral 1.2W miniature bulb or a 1.2W bulb in a holder, transmitting light through a small lightguide. Carefully remove the trim surround panel, starting at the heater control in the case of the right hand trim, to access the switches from the rear. On the left, you will have to remove the headlight switch knob and the nut beneath to remove the trim. "

Has anybody done the above job? I have pulled back on the headlight switch knob, as above, and it seems like it is on there pretty tight. I am afraid of breaking something. Can anybody confirm that the above procedure is correct?

Thank you all.








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Volvo 940 switch panel lamps 900 1994

Hi U.S. Diver,

I haven't had my 940 switches out yet, but have replaced lots of grain of wheat lamps in 850 switches which are likely the same setup.

Once you get the switch out, you'll see a small round (5mm) holder with a screw slot. Twist it about 30 degrees CCW and pry it out with a thin blade screwdriver.

Note how the wires are positioned by the screw slot
Un-do the wires to remove the old lamp and fish in a new lamp and
route the wires as they were, snip off excess wire.
Press back in and twist CW to lock.

What you want is: 14v 3MM grain of wheat lamp 0.91 Watt
You don't want 12V lamps in a 14 volt (or more) car, especially for lamps
that are a PIA to replace.

You can get 30 from china for $10
https://www.ebay.com/itm/402379569498

or goto www.memotronics.com look up "8111" box of 10 $5.21 + shipping
The holders & lamps are available if the holder is gone.
You can call Johannes at Memotronics for info. 903-732-0058

Good luck, Bill








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Volvo 940 switch panel lamps 900 1994

To access the dash illumination bulb for the headlight switch panel in 700s and 900s, proceed as follows:

o Some may pull out a switch, disconnect it and reach through with forceps to pull out the panel bulb holder from behind to pull it out to change the bulb. You're working fairly blind. I gave up on doing this years ago when I lost a connector up in the rats nest of wires and wasted too much time trying to get at it, necessitating the following procedure which I now always do to save on frustration.

o Remove the underdash panel and knee bolster assembly. Use a wide slot screwdriver for the 90 degree plastic plugs. There are four black Torx screws holding the bolster pad underneath. There are five Torx screws holding the bolster panel, two on each side and one in the middle at the top (in 700s, large Philips screws may be used and you will need an appropriate screwdriver or socket bit). Keep mental track of which came from where, especially that solitary upper screw. On reassembly, that panel top screw goes back first to make alignment easier for the four side screws. Tighten all fasteners securely.

o Using a mirror and a light, or turning yourself upside down underneath, you can reach up and pull out the bulb holder from the back of the switch panel. To access the dash illumination bulb for the headlight switch panel in 700s and 900s, proceed as follows:

o Alternatively, and the way I always do it, is to remove the switch panel (you could also remove the instrument cluster). You can do this all by feel using your fingers raching up behind the panel. The switch panel swings out from one side to release the grip stubs into the dash at the other end. To swing out the panel, you need to firmly press in a wide metal clip tab (maybe 1" wide and you need to push it in maybe 3/8", think of a wide office Bulldog clip). The clip is part of the switch panel. You can feel aroujd for it sticking out of the middle of the end of the panel. If I recall correctly, it's the furthest end from the steering column and close to the headlight switch. You then have full access to the back of the switches and the dash illumination bulb holder.

o The dash illumunination bulb holders are proprietary Volvo. Unfortunately, the bulb is integral to the bulb holder (except in some 700 applications where it plugs in to the holder and the holder is slightly narrower than the later ones -hint, cut and splice in the separate bulb holders out of an older 700 and use tape to pad the holder to stay in the panel). The bulb wires are spot welded to the holder contacts. These are available as p/n 30710781 from Volvo and as a Genuine Volvo part from aftermarket parts houses. You're going to have to grit your teeth when you see the price -FCP has them on their Cyber sale at this moment. If you do a bit of reading, some try to snip out the bulbs and solder in a new generic bulb. I've tried it and find it way too tedious and easy to melt the bulb holder.



FYI, the switch panel on the ignition switch side is similar, except the tab clip is in the middle of the panel, not at the far end. Using a blade (trim spoon preferred), start by carefully working around the narrow plastic part of the bezel surrounding the heater controls -there are three sides to release by prying them up and out a bit. Then with the metal clip tab firmly pushed in towards the steering column it will come out on the right side first.
--
Dave -still with 940's, prev 740/240/140/120 You'd think I'd have learned by now








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Volvo 940 switch panel lamps 900 1994

Thanks, Dave. From your description, it sounds like the headlight switch knob does not need to be removed, correct? Thanks.








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Volvo 940 switch panel lamps 900 1994

Yep, no need to touch the headlight switch. Just as well since the knob doesn't come off easily. You can remove connectors off the back of the switches as needed to swing the panel out further, but you shouldn't need to. It's basically just that one side metal tab you need to depress.
--
Dave -still with 940's, prev 740/240/140/120 You'd think I'd have learned by now








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Volvo 940 switch panel lamps 900 1994

Great--thanks so much Dave!








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Volvo 940 switch panel lamps 900 1994

Thanks, Bill. I guess I am really wondering whether the headlight switch knob DOES pull off as described in the FAQ, and how best to do this. It seems like it is on there for keeps, and I am wondering if I can pry out the entire panel without taking the knob off? Thanks.








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Volvo 940 switch panel lamps 900 1994

Yes, it's best to learn the tricks in a junk yard and not your own car.
Someone should chime in with the details to get the switches out without
making a mess of things soon.

Dunno if you can pull the instrument cluster and push them out from the back?

Good luck, Bill







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