when it comes on and just continue to drive with it coming on upon start-up and going off after a minute or two? mine came on after the 5k mile mark, but I haven't found the time to do some body contortions to reset it. just for a peace of mind, the car can still be driven without one having to reset it, correct? my search says yes, but would like a current confirmation. if anything else, I, along with many here, find this light a bit annoying. thanks.

boy, it wasn't so bad! I got a print out of one of don foster's response regarding the '89 reset SERVICE light and all the info I read from all you brick nuts. I removed the three 1" circular plastic clip tabs, peeled the black carpet cloth back a bit and kinda twisted my neck and back a bit to peek under the dash. I used a flashlight to look for a black squarish switch. it wasn't difficult to locate. the thing was that I first pushed it inward and nothing happened. my arm was kinda getting tired and I began thinking about taking it to my indie to reset it. but I then remember reading that you push UP. don did say it was a toggle switch thingy. that worked! so the thing is you have to toggle the switch up instead of pushing it laterally inward. thanks guys!

btw, my arm was skinny enough where I didn't have to use a pen or screwdriver. the switch is about 0.75" long and is right behind the speedometer (I think). it's next to a white square peace of plastic. most of you guys know this already, but thought I'd share my find as well ;)

The service light on my '89 has been coming on for 3 months when the car is first started. I just ignore and it goes out after a minute or two. No problems with the car- I just changed the oil 2 weeks ago.
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Michelle (HELP I CAN'T STOP BUYING VOLVOS) -'89 244 GL auto 188K / '85 244 DL auto 136K / '86 240 auto 148K / '85 244 DL manual

Yeah that light will come on every 5000 miles to remind you to change the oil. No problem to drive with the light on.

I removed the bulb from mine because it refused to reset.

Assuming yours is ok, It is not that hard to reset if you haven't done it. I'm pretty sure that on the '89, the reset switch is on the back of the cluster. You only have to be a moderate contortionist.

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Greg P. 1988 240 DL 'Olga' 170,000 miles

Is something different from '89 to '91? On mine, you pull the little plug out of the instument cluster and reset it with a paper clip. All done while sitting upright in the driver's seat.

I hate it when 2 of my cars have it come on at the same time. Had to do 2 oil changes last weekend (91 245, 91 744T) and I reset both service lights in the way I described.
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Volvo Farmer:

20 Volvos '58-'91

yes, in 89 only volvo master tech knows trick to reach behind before r. goldberg built little cable contrap you have

What orange/yellow light? Pulled mine years ago, just kidding.
Just follow your instincts and change the oil etc., or not.
Once you've reset the switch, it's easier the next time.

I have reset this switch while driving (I know I shouldn't). Take off a couple of the plastic things holding the left side of the mat on, bend it out of your way. Jam your left hand up on that side though the wiring feel around on the left 1/3 of the instrument cluser for a little square switch, push up. Easy, just don't forget to remove your hand.
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1989 Volvo 244 DL 218k Miles, the proper color brick red.

that's the thing. I just had an oil change! I guess I can't be bothered by reseting it yet--but will soon! so I was just wondering if this was alright, leaving it on until I find time to reset it.

I wouldn't worry too much if it is one of those amber lights, including that persky bulb failure lamp. I once drove a rental Grand Am to NYC from OKC and the "change Oil" (amber, not the red low oil pressure lamp) lamp came on just as I was on the Arkansas State line. I called GM hotline and also the car rental agency, they both told me not to worry about it. Since it was not my car, I did not worry, and if it quit, GM AND the car rental agency both had prior warning. I made it to NY and back, and the car drove normally. My gosh, that car had more idiot lights on the dash than Vegas does. It even has one for "low winshield fluid" (which lit up somewhere near Philly).
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...and the bricks keep on rolling

including idiot lights

take to the dealer for reset