To access the dash illumination bulb for the headlight switch panel in 700s and 900s, proceed as follows:

o Some may pull out a switch, disconnect it and reach through with forceps to pull out the panel bulb holder from behind to pull it out to change the bulb. You're working fairly blind. I gave up on doing this years ago when I lost a connector up in the rats nest of wires and wasted too much time trying to get at it, necessitating the following procedure which I now always do to save on frustration.

o Remove the underdash panel and knee bolster assembly. Use a wide slot screwdriver for the 90 degree plastic plugs. There are four black Torx screws holding the bolster pad underneath. There are five Torx screws holding the bolster panel, two on each side and one in the middle at the top (in 700s, large Philips screws may be used and you will need an appropriate screwdriver or socket bit). Keep mental track of which came from where, especially that solitary upper screw. On reassembly, that panel top screw goes back first to make alignment easier for the four side screws. Tighten all fasteners securely.

o Using a mirror and a light, or turning yourself upside down underneath, you can reach up and pull out the bulb holder from the back of the switch panel. To access the dash illumination bulb for the headlight switch panel in 700s and 900s, proceed as follows:

o Alternatively, and the way I always do it, is to remove the switch panel (you could also remove the instrument cluster). You can do this all by feel using your fingers raching up behind the panel. The switch panel swings out from one side to release the grip stubs into the dash at the other end. To swing out the panel, you need to firmly press in a wide metal clip tab (maybe 1" wide and you need to push it in maybe 3/8", think of a wide office Bulldog clip). The clip is part of the switch panel. You can feel aroujd for it sticking out of the middle of the end of the panel. If I recall correctly, it's the furthest end from the steering column and close to the headlight switch. You then have full access to the back of the switches and the dash illumination bulb holder.

o The dash illumunination bulb holders are proprietary Volvo. Unfortunately, the bulb is integral to the bulb holder (except in some 700 applications where it plugs in to the holder and the holder is slightly narrower than the later ones -hint, cut and splice in the separate bulb holders out of an older 700 and use tape to pad the holder to stay in the panel). The bulb wires are spot welded to the holder contacts. These are available as p/n 30710781 from Volvo and as a Genuine Volvo part from aftermarket parts houses. You're going to have to grit your teeth when you see the price -FCP has them on their Cyber sale at this moment. If you do a bit of reading, some try to snip out the bulbs and solder in a new generic bulb. I've tried it and find it way too tedious and easy to melt the bulb holder.



FYI, the switch panel on the ignition switch side is similar, except the tab clip is in the middle of the panel, not at the far end. Using a blade (trim spoon preferred), start by carefully working around the narrow plastic part of the bezel surrounding the heater controls -there are three sides to release by prying them up and out a bit. Then with the metal clip tab firmly pushed in towards the steering column it will come out on the right side first.
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Dave -still with 940's, prev 740/240/140/120 You'd think I'd have learned by now