I need to replace the lights in the dash of the car as most are burnt out.

From the light control switch to the fan control switch, all do not work...However, the air directional and temperature swithces all light up fine, as do the speedo /tach/ fuelgage/oil/temp/and the radio.

1) is it the bulbs behind the instruments in dash which need repalcing or am I looking at more serious problems?

2) Is it easily repairable - to do myself?

3) does anyone know how to replace the bulbs- dismantling dash to reach the bulbs?

I also feel a slight shudder beneath the car as I start to drive from a stopped position. I was thinking it might be the driveshaft, but a non-volvo mechanic said the shaft and joints are fine ( I checked the hanger bracket and it has some play), but he said it was normal to have this 'play'. Any suggestions?

How do I get to the amp in dash behind glove compartment?

that's all for now!

The shudder at start up is often caused by a misalignment of the drive line. The fix takes about an hour and is easily explained on the attached bulletin from Volvo. I did mine a couple of years ago and went with the bulletin's suggestion to first try the upward shimmy'íng of the centre support bearing. If the upward shimmy doesn't work, they recommend the downward shimmy. BTW, a couple of other Bricksters have gone through this fix successfully.

Good luck.

Your amp should be under the drivers side dash to the left of the steering column. Remove the three cover panels underneath to access it. If you want to replace your radio with an aftermarket, the wiring harness that plugs into the amp (long, thin rectangular one) will need to be physically re-routed (REALISTICALLY IMPOSSIBLE!) or extended (yes!) to reach behind the radio.

Another caveat: The harnesses are coated with this disgusting slime lubricant at the factory to aid routing without damage. It never dries. Wear surgical gloves when touching them, and plan on changing them a few times. If you don't do that you will be washing your hands every 30 seconds.

I sold my orig amp & radio on Ebay. There is a market for these things as long as you have the radio code.

Here is how you fix the shudder at take-off.

http://sites.netscape.net/herbgoltz/volvo

It worked for me!

if i'm understanding your 'shudder underneath' it may be the problem i experience (don't notice when alone but when have someone in backseat, i do.) i have been told that it might be my rear-end. i notice my shudder when i'm approaching the end of first gear and into second. i've checked the trans oil and it seems to be perfect (no smell, no discoloration, etc.) if someone give you a good answer for your trouble, i ask that they also let me know.

thanks.

From what I understnad it is the height of the driveshaft center support besring that will cause the chudder. You can raise or lower the shaft by adding in washers to the mounting bolts ...

There is info on this elsewhere in the FAQ.

As for your dash lights, they are fairly simple to replace. Just drop the lower cover to the dash, and reach your hand up there. The bulb assembiles will remove with a 1/2 twist or so.

The heater lamp is to the left of the fan knob, just need to carefully pry off the cover and there you will find the bulbs.

The amp in my car was under the drivers side.

I have an amp for sale if you need one. I pulled out the factory system and installed a high-zoot system. :)

STefan