How do I access the empty switches on the switch panel?

[paulloseby]

I've got a 2005 V70 and the switch panel above the gear stick has two unused holes side by side. I would like to remove these and put a twin hardwired usb socket in there. (I've just replaced the radio with a Pioneer with Apple Car Play and this would save having the cables coming from the glove compartment). I have the socket and that would mean shaping one hole out of the two unused holes where the blank switches were. Picture below

How do I take those switches out? Do I have to dismantle the centre console or can I just lift/prise them out? If I get them out, is there access to push the wires through to the back of the console or is it in a sealed unit?

The radio is great but I wish that I had known that I wouldn't be able to use the steering wheel volume controls once it was fitted and that I had to spend more for another cable to get the parking sensors working again. I'm crap at parking so I do need them.



Many thanks for taking the time to read this and hopefully being able to help.

Paul

[YorkshireDave]

My understanding is that they have to be programmed via software. When I took mine apart (prised the front off to reveal a PCB (printed circuit board)) I realised it wasn't simply wires to/from it. Its a Volvo man! Nothing is simple ...

Could well be wrong tho. Someone will be along in 5 to put me right I'm sure.

[paulloseby]

Thanks for that Dave - looks like Plan B

Regards and have a great Christmas and New Year

Paul

[Missing Lincs]

There is a PCB behind but there is some room. You have the depth of a switch body to play with.

I ran my USB connection for the radio under the centre console and brought it up inside the armrest/storage box. Not as easy to access as your plan but keeps the wiring out of the way and whatever's plug in out of sight.

To answer your original question, I can't say for certain post facelift, but for pre-facelift cars you did have to remove the climate unit to get the switch surround off. There are some catches which are released from under the bottom of the unit.

[paulloseby]

Many thanks for that. I've gone the easier route and in the space to the left of the radio, I've drilled a hole and put the socket in there. Looks fine but not tried it yet.

Kind regards and again, many thanks

Paul

[YorkshireDave]

Paul, why not remove teh cigarette lighter and install in there? That's what I did and it looks fab and nothing is spoiled as (the one I bought) sits in perfectly. You then use teh supply to the CL to power it!!

[bulldogdrummond]

Originally Posted by YorkshireDave

Paul, why not remove teh cigarette lighter and install in there? That's what I did and it looks fab and nothing is spoiled as (the one I bought) sits in perfectly. You then use teh supply to the CL to power it!!

Not trying to hijack the thread but how does that cigarette lighter come out please..

[YorkshireDave]

Its a S O D.

Remove the switch unit completely. Remove the back of the socket and then prise out the rest from the front. Its a LOT easier to write than do without damaging things!

The USB socket from fleabay I purchased is a perfect fit. BUT... You have to cut away the rear of the socket, supporting framework, for it to fit flush.

Take your time and nibble away.

[Missing Lincs]

If all you want is USB power outlets you can buy a USB power adaptor that fits into the existing cigarette lighter socket. Buy a decent branded one though, the really cheap ones only last two minutes.

[bulldogdrummond]

Originally Posted by Missing Lincs

If all you want is USB power outlets you can buy a USB power adaptor that fits into the existing cigarette lighter socket. Buy a decent branded one though, the really cheap ones only last two minutes.

The ciggie lighter in the dash doesnt work, the one at the rear of the console does, the wiring diagram says they are both on the same feed so my guess is the dash one is goosed...