I am trying to replace the instrument bulb used for the instrument cluster to the right of the steering wheel (ex. where the defroster switch is).

I went to Advance Auto and looked up the bulb I needed as being a Sylvania #2721. Got it and compared it to the bulb I took out and they appeared to be the same.

Problem now is I can't seem to get the new bulb to go into the socket. Looks like the little rounded nipple at the end of the bulb is causing the problem but the old buld had the exact same kind of thing. It looks like the nipple is hitting the plastic that is in the middle of the socket

Is there some trick I need to be made aware of in terms of getting the new buld back into the socket? I sort of feel foolish asking this since it comes across like a "how many Volvo owners does it take to put in a light bulb" kind of joke but I could really use some help.

Thanks.

92Wahoo

You have a couple optiosn. 1.) You can go to your local dealer and get the "original" bulb for a couple bucks. 2.) You can do what I did and replace the light behind the sunroof/rear defrost, the heated seat switches and the headlight/power antenna switches with LED's. My local Auto Parts store sells LED's with leads and resistors attached. These are targeted to the "import scene" kids. Anyway, they come in many colors, including green. With a solder iron and a little electrical tape, you can solder the leads to the bulb socket in the car, and stick the LED in the bulb holder behind each of those switches (using electrical tape to hold tightly in place). Viola, green lighting that is dimable and will never burn out (or at least not for a long time). They are also slightly brighter than the equivalent original equipment bulb, which I think is good considering these locations use "light guides" to direct the light and tend to be too dim.

Hope this is helpful.

Gavin

1990 745T
1976 2002
2002 330i

light guides only work if they are directed down into the LED. LEDs will work on the switches and all because the direction is directly in 'front' (or above... depends on which way you hold it i guess) of the LED.

the light projected from a light bulbs have a spherical shape and produce light around all 360 degrees, whereas LEDs project light in a conical shape. thus if you have a lightguide to the left of the LED, it will catch pretty much none of the light.
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Kenric Tam
1990 Volvo 740 base sedan (B230F)
My Volvo 'Project'