940 Non turbo
Year 1995

My gear shift lever indicators (where the P, R, N, D, 1, 2 are) are showing lights through all the numbers except the selected one which is shielded by the white plastics.

I suspect the white plastic could have been torn. I did manage to go as far as to remove the black plastic encasing the shift lever indicator and the handbrake. Beyond this I could not open up the indicators housing because there were no screws either hidden in the brush or at the side as what the green manual says.

How then could I remove the shift lever indicator housing to get a fix on the white plastic that shields off lights from the inside of the gear shift lever?

What does the job entails?

Thanks for the advice in advance

Laozong

Gear Shift Indicator Bulb Replacement For 940 Right Hand Drive

This method of replacing the shift indicator lamp in a 940 involves removing the lense and pulling the bulb out from above.

You will need a globe - wedge 12v 1 - 2w

1. Remove ashtray.

2. Remove plastic 'L' shaped cover from beneath handbrake. This is held in by a plastic lug on each side, located a little over 2.5cm/1" from the front. These lugs are difficult to prize open from the top. Spray a little libricant from above the lugs and attempt to slide the cover forward. It will need to slide about 1/2" before it comes free. You will need to put a thin square nosed knife blade, or similar, under the front edge to allow it to move forward. Breakage of a lug is difficult to avoid.

3. Remove the 2 torx screws found in front of the previously removed cover. Use torx screwdrivers found in Volvo toolkit.

4. Remove large 40cm/18" plastic cover which extends from handbrake to fuses. The area of caution here is disconnecting the seat heater bulb which simply pulls out of a metal tube and the 2 other electrical connections.The lug which requires special attention is found above the handbrake. It requires a downwards pressure to disengage it while the cover is juggled forward up and over the gear stick and handbrake.

5. Reveal clear plastic lens. To do this it is necessary to move the gear stick and rectangular gear position indicator cover at the same time. Gently lift this cover at the handbrake end . This will disengage it and allow it to move. Move the gear stick back about 4 gear positions keeping the P and the gear stick together. This will reveal the clear plastic lens which is between you and the bulb.

6. Remove fittings that secure the lense and then remove the lense. This lens is held in place by a thin 1/3" - 1cm black plastic band across its top and a thin black plastic shield at its side. You will need to tilt the plastic gear position indicator cover as high as necessary on the side you are working and maybe a cm/ 1/4" up the rubber gear stick handle. Move the cover gently as you move it onto the handle.

It may be possible to remove the lense without removing the top band ,by removing the black plastic side shield first. This shield is held in place by a very small lug. Slide a small flat head screwdriver down between the side shield and a thicker plastic fitting. While prising, pull up at the same time. Once the side shield is out attempt to move the lense by pulling outwards at the top and upwards.

If the lens won't come out, slide a small screwdriver under the front of the top band and try again. This band can break. Mine has. The lens will stay in place without it, however using a thin strip of adhesive tape when reinstalling is not a bad idea.

7. Remove the bulb by reaching in with fingers and pulling out. Leave the white bulb housing.

8. Reinstall is reverse of above.

I found it an advantage to work from the side which gave best access. This meant changing from driver to passenger seat when necessary.

Hope this helps.
Take care,
John H from Downunder

Hi John,

Thanks for the detailed steps to reach the bulb. While my concern is to change the whilte plastic I suppose your instructions should lead me to it all the same.
I will print a copy of your instructions with me when I work on it this weekend. The task looks quite tedious to some extent.

Thanks again.

Regards

Laozong

That's a pleasure Laozong,

The task is a little tedious. I did the job on my 93 940 some years ago.

As you move the gear stick a thin black plastic band about 6 inches in length also moves. This band only allows light through at the selected gear.It is easily broken. One half of mine broke and now works by allowing light through all the positions up to and including the gear selected ie if I am in park only one light, in reverse, the P&R light up.

It sounds like this band is missing.If this is your problem you will not need to disassemble the bulb housing. The band may have dislodged and be found somewhere beneath. If not a new part will be needed.

Take care,
John H from DOWNUNDER

This task is different for right hand drive cars. Are you right hand drive? If so I can help you out.

John H from Downunder

Yes, my 940 in right hand drive. I've also sent you an email.

Thanks

Laozong

As I recall, to access the gear shift mechanism including the plastic indicator, I had to pull the entire shift mechanism. This requires loosening it from under the car.

Hi Steve,

Thanks for the info. Does this mean I have to remove the gearbox to get the job done?


Thanks

Laozong