Dash Bulb Replacement 01-04 S40/V40

[poikaa]

The LEDs came today so I installed them tonight! I seem to only need the headlight switch LEDs so I installed three.
The LEDs are a tad bright, I toned them down a bit by colouring them with a Sharpie Marker. I used a dark green but the outcome was still a medium blue and on the bright side.
Installation was not without modification as the new LEDs are rather thin where they lock on to the voltage tracks so I made a little arc with the wires, now they are snug!
Of course the LEDs are polarized so I have a 50/50 chance of installing correctly.... no such luck, I had to re-install all three!
Attached are a few pics....

Now my Volvo seems more complete!

poikaa

[netrocyn]

What do people think about these?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/201257734526

They look like they could work for the heater bulbs on a phase 2?

But would LEDs be dimmable via dimmer switch?

[DXMachina]

Originally Posted by netrocyn

What do people think about these?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/201257734526

They look like they could work for the heater bulbs on a phase 2?

But would LEDs be dimmable via dimmer switch?

I bought some. They fit perfectly, but they dont light up - the positioning of the metal contacts is just slightly too low, they wont actually touch the electrical contact points on the PCB. Useless.

[v40alex]

And standard 'glass dome' type LEDs will not dim, for that you need SMD LEDs - the flat ones with a white surround and usually a yellowish circle in the middle.

Or buy replacement glass bulbs from me - £1 for 3 http://www.volvoforums.org.uk/showthread.php?t=216733

[netrocyn]

I would buy the replacement bulbs but i don't think my holders will survive the dismantling process, they're Already cracked and brittle.

All my dash bulbs have now expired, and it's becoming a bit frustrating that the only solution is to pay a massive amount.

I'll keep searching for an LED that will so the job maybe with some sort of modifications

[DXMachina]

Netrocyn - this might interest then.

http://www.volvoforums.org.uk/showthread.php?t=214083

[bobthecabbage]

Originally Posted by netrocyn

I would buy the replacement bulbs but i don't think my holders will survive the dismantling process, they're Already cracked and brittle.

All my dash bulbs have now expired, and it's becoming a bit frustrating that the only solution is to pay a massive amount.

I'll keep searching for an LED that will so the job maybe with some sort of modifications

I believe the only special thing about the volvo bulbs is the little blue hats that they wear.

If you are prepared to put up with yellowy coloured dials then your local friendly garage or motor factor will be able to match the old bulbs with non coloured ones.

The blue hats are available on ebay in various sizes but I wouldn't promise that they won't melt/catch fire unless they are specifically for incandescent bulbs rather than LEDs.

[v40alex]

I have the blue hats for the Phase 2 heater panel bulbs (4.7mm), £1 for 3

[druid]

Originally Posted by v40alex

I have the blue hats for the Phase 2 heater panel bulbs (4.7mm), £1 for 3

And they are good!

[PAULS40]

Originally Posted by VanhireBoys

Hi Guys
Dont know if this has been covered before... I done a wee job today and its the wee jobs that make the difference... My V40 Dash was looking rather dark and I had to feel about to try and operate any thing. This is the trait of a car with big miles it seems...




Well first of all you need 3 of each of these... FRF Simon got this sorted.. Top Man..!
These are the Heater panel bulbs




Tools:
Torx bit driver , Phillips screwdriver, Medium plain flat driver,
First of all set all the controls to the left horizontal position


Then remove the knobs.. Pull straight out - give them a bit of a wiggle

Then put a blunt screwdriver (I used a screwdriver with a piece of tape on the end so as not to damage the trim) into the left of the panel and prize out. Work your way left to right until it comes off.. Take it nice and steady.

This exposes the 4 mounting screws.

Push the unit back and turn the unit in tword the left of the dash. Remove both wiring harness plugs.

Keep gentle pressure top and bottom so that the locating tab on top of the unit clears the bottom of th events and the unit can be taken out

Remove the 4 torx screws and release the tabs on th eback of the unit. This dosent really have to be done but its handier for access to the bulbs





As Haynes say refit is the reverse of removal.. Its a bit of a mare to line up the panel once its all installed. There is a slot at the bottom of the vents that the tab must fit into. start by putting the unit on in to the left and then put the plugs back in. Then work on the alignment of the screws.

The lightswitch is an easier task.
You need 3 of these


Then take out these 2 screws and pull the unit down and out to release the vent in the dash. Release the wiring plug

Heres the 3 bulbs..

Heres the old ones


Its handy enough to put back in. Line up with the vent and push home until it snaps into place. Then put the 2 bottom screws back in...

Job done... All in all it took me an hour or so but its well worth doing rather than putting in the interior light all the time....!

This is a great step by step guideline. I live in USA and have similar light issues for my 2000 S40. panel is dark even the radio lights have gone out.
Any help in replacing these bulbs is appreciated.