having some trouble sorting out the light on the centre console of my '94 850 - as there is no light for gear selection or the seat warmers (light on window control is fine), my first thought is that the bulb is most likely blown but i have no idea how to get at it - i can get the front portion of the console (just under the ash tray and containing the diagnostic plug) out as well as the clip in plastic part under the e-brake handle - but i cannot find any way to remove the plastic housing around the gear selector - any ideas???

There is a write up at Volvospeed for the S70. The 850 is similar but you have to remove the two screws at the front that others have mentioned in order to move the console enough to get at the shifter bulb holder. The picture at the bottom of the Volvospeed page shows the holder, but the circle is a bit off! You can get the cute little bulbs from IPD or FCP Groton. Probably other places have them, but they're no way a standard bulb ...

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'96 850T and '83 244 DL both at about 200K, '97 850T5; gone but not forgotten '81 245 and '64 Amazon

A special 14W bulb, one of two, the other is for the ashtray. Lifting the center armrest reveals a trap door in the bottom of the storage area. Use a screwdriver to pop it up. There are 2 torx screws that hold down the rear portion of the center console, remove them. You will also see a nice shiney round metal thing, that is the hadbrake adjuster.

The 2 other screws are under the coin tray and next to the cigar lighter. When these two are out, you should be able to lift the rear of the console enough to reach the bulb for the shifter. If not, there are 2 more screws under the ashtray area, which are a pain, to let you remove the console completely.

The lights for the seat heaters are replaceable. Just pop out the switches, carefully so as not to scratch the console. Unplug them, turn them over, and note the bulb base that comes out with 1/2 turn. I replaced the bulbs by removing the holder, bending the wires, and pulling the bulb out of the holder. I replaced them with micro bulbs from RadioShack #7219, $1.50US for a package of 2 bulbs.

Buy a bunch of bulbs and fix all of your switches.

Klaus
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Always willing to listen, just not able to take direction.

wow! detailed info - thanks for quick reply - i'll have a go at it this weekend and see what i can come up with :)

The seat warmer switches have their own individual lights and you have to pry the switches out. I don't think your year has replaceable lamps. May be wrong though? You may have to replace the whole switch. To take the console out remove the two screws under the small cover in the rear storage compartment. Take the plastic piece out around the parking brake. There are also two screws in the small front storage area. They can't be seen and face towards the rear of the car. I believe these are all Torx type screws. #25?