I was driving my 1988 Volvo last night and I noticed that I had no lights for either my heating controls or upperlevel swithches. I'm pretty sure that there used to be working lights in the panel just below the coin tray, however, I'm not sure about the section below it with the heater control etc. It seems like there should be a light, but I have not noticed them working on my car. My intrument cluster lights do work however.

Thank you.

The are three tiny bulbs in the center console area, the same size bulb as the instrument panel idiot lights, but I think a different (higher) wattage. All three plug into silver/clear light bars that distribute the light across the entire console. You'll see what I mean when you get in there. Sometimes the plastic breaks off and the bulb and holder can just fall out due to vibration.
One bulb illumniates the top row of switches, located above and in the center of that row. You can pull out the middle switches and access it that way.
Two bulbs illuminate the heater control panel. One is located right behind the hot/cold lettering on the heater control valve, the other right behind the speed control for the fan. These two are tough to get to (unless you're replacing your heater motor or something equally fun).
If you're taking the console off to get to all of these, be very sure to reconnect all the ground wires in there. Overdrive and other important functions ground behind that plastic cover, and its not fun to take off again.
Good luck. Its nice not have to fumble around in the dark for the heater controls.
--
1981 242GLTi 1967.5 122S Automatic (tempermental)

if it is just the lights, you have a burnt out bulb. not to bad of a job, just either remove the center panel a bit to get access to the bulb harnes, or remove some of the lil plastic things to get your fingers up there.

Chuck