Hello All,

I have a 1996 850 GLT wagon with a manual and just over 290,000 miles. In the ceiling just by the rearview mirror is a interior light cluster, which contains the interior lights that come on when you open the door. There are two lens covers, one for the front driver’s seat and one for the front passenger seat.

About 3 months ago, the lens cover on the passenger side spontaneously broke and fell out. This lens is held in past by 3 contact points. Two stubs near the red colored lens and singe stub by the clear lens. Unfortunately Volvo doesn’t sell this lens anymore. I was able to get another one off a parts car and just replaced the lens. When I examined the broken lens, one of the stubs near the red lens had broken off. I figured it was just age that caused to it to break off.

Today the replacement lens that I installed 3 months ago off a parts car, suddenly broke and fell out. I looked at it and the two plastic stubs near the red lens had snapped off. I checked the opening where this lens cover snaps in and it does not appear distorted, so as to be causing undue stress on the lens. I also removed and examined the lens on the other side and the opening appeared identical.

Has anyone else had this problem? The part # for the broken lens is Part # 372997. Does anyone know where I could get a replacement?

Thanks to all who respond.

Hugh

Your car has a gremlin! These things don't break, even with age. If you glue it back, use only a couple of drops, you need the ability to access the bulb and the screws that hold the whole thing up in case you have to service the sun roof.

A junk yard is the best place, just bring along a small pocket screwdriver to remove it.
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My back feels better when I sit in a Volvo seat

Klaus,

Thank you for your advice. For the time being, I have used two-side tape on the side where the two stubs broke off and have successfully installed the lens cover. I used tape for the reason you stated: someday I will have to remove that cover to replace a burned out bulb.

I call Erie Vo-Vo and the representative told me he salvage yard no longer stock 850s - they are considered “too old”. That broke my heart.

I live in CT, can you suggest any “pick and pull” salvage yards? Going forth, as parts become no longer available from Volvo and some salvage yards no longer collect “donor” 850s, getting the obscure replacement part will become more difficult. What do people do who own 445, 544, 140 models?

Hugh

Starting in 2011, CT has allowed pick&pull to operate again. You need to search and call in your area for a good one. Try this link:
http://www.yellowpages.com/bridgeport-ct/pick-a-part

Most are regular salvage yards that do not let people in.

There are a few people on the Brickboard that live in CT, many own 850s and older Volvos. You might want to pose a question in the "pick & pull" section at the top of the page (pull down menu).

When parts get really scarce, there are overseas outfits that will sell parts for a nominal fee!
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My back feels better when I sit in a Volvo seat

Go to a junk yard for a replacement or secure it with some adhesive, probably
clear silicone would work

BB,

Thanks. Instead of using silicone, I used 2 sided adhesive tape. I hope it stays in place.

Hugh