Dash Bulb Replacement 01-04 S40/V40 - Page 7

DXMachina · May 27th, 2012, 22:33

I see no value in replacing a filament bulb with another of the same - it's antiquated technology that draws more power and lasts less time!

The 4 x 16 SMD LED 501s in my dome lights and the bright blue SMD Festoon light in my footwell are far brighter and clearer than the filaments i replaced with them. I hope to bring the same benefits to my dash panels.

And some further digging suggests that a T4 Wedge Bulb - which is available in white LED form on eBay - may be the same type as the headlight panel lights (certainly the same dimensions) so I have ordered some to try.

inchley313 · May 29th, 2012, 06:50

Quote:

Originally Posted by DXMachina

I see no value in replacing a filament bulb with another of the same - it's antiquated technology that draws more power and lasts less time!

The 4 x 16 SMD LED 501s in my dome lights and the bright blue SMD Festoon light in my footwell are far brighter and clearer than the filaments i replaced with them. I hope to bring the same benefits to my dash panels.

And some further digging suggests that a T4 Wedge Bulb - which is available in white LED form on eBay - may be the same type as the headlight panel lights (certainly the same dimensions) so I have ordered some to try.

Do you have a p1 or p2? If p1 then can i have the part numbers of the leds you fit as it is something i have been looking to do on mine!!

DXMachina · May 29th, 2012, 20:02

When they arrive I will return to this thread with a report on compatibility, an eBay link, and photos

Its a P2 incidentally - 2001 / Y reg

inchley313 · Jun 4th, 2012, 09:14

I would just like to say thank you to DXMachina who sent me 3 of the R509T LED's. I have fitted 2 into my heater control panel on my P1 V40 and am pleased to say they fit and work nice!!

I did have to push the metal tabs down on the bulbs to get them to stay in place but if anyone orders any, check the old bulb against the new one and you will see what I mean.

Anyway, Thanks again DX, it's nice to see some light on my dash once again!!

DXMachina · Jun 4th, 2012, 09:53

No worries

I'd like to confirm that Phase 2 V40s like my 2001 model do NOT take R509Ts in the headlight switch area, they use T4s

And also, some T4 LEDs won't fit due to the narrow aperture. So I'll be back here with an eBay link once my 2nd set of T4s arrives...

v40chris · Jun 4th, 2012, 12:44

Great write up.

Didn't notice until last night, the light controls dont illuminate at all and the heater control panel is yellow as opposed to green.

I'll need to get onto Rufe for some prices when Volvo re-opens, see they are closed for the Jubilee

DXMachina · Jun 4th, 2012, 19:40

Ultra-cheap / DIY solution

I got bored, went for a wander, and saw an open Maplin store, and remembered advice earlier in this thread about using these to light the climate controls. So I went in and bought a few '5mm 12v LEDs' - an LED with inbuilt resister for 12v usage

They cost 64 pence each.

Got out a dead Volvo bulb from the headlight switch of my Phase 2 V40, , pulled the glass bulb module out of it with pliers (Crunch!) , pulled off the little solder tabs that make contact, (then trod on one. ouch)

trimmed a few millimetres off the height & fed the 12v LED into it, folded the wires up to make contacts, crimped them off, and installed

And its so bright outside I can't tell if its working or not yet ! But yes I did check with a multitester that the legs had current running to them, so signs are good.

gatos · Jun 4th, 2012, 19:46

Let us know if it is as bright as the bulbs. When I did the same on mine, I found that the LED brightness was waaaaaaaaay much lower than the bulbs and gave up on the idea

Dog_Book · Jun 4th, 2012, 19:48

Quote:

Originally Posted by gatos

Let us know if it is as bright as the bulbs. When I did the same on mine, I found that the LED brightness was waaaaaaaaay much lower than the bulbs and gave up on the idea

Same here.

Recognized · Jun 5th, 2012, 00:59

Quote:

Originally Posted by gatos

Let us know if it is as bright as the bulbs. When I did the same on mine, I found that the LED brightness was waaaaaaaaay much lower than the bulbs and gave up on the idea

Oh come on! Where you got it from? You just need right led for a job. If you have mobile phone with a flash, you will get the idea. The most simple way to make your heater control glow is to fit led strips in to it. I will try to find a picture...

http://www.drive2.ru/cars/volvo/v40/...52375886/#post

And here is for headlight switch area

Jun 4th, 2012, 09:14	#64
inchley313 Insane!! Last Online: Oct 19th, 2015 08:58 Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Ramsey, Isle of Man	I would just like to say thank you to DXMachina who sent me 3 of the R509T LED's. I have fitted 2 into my heater control panel on my P1 V40 and am pleased to say they fit and work nice!! I did have to push the metal tabs down on the bulbs to get them to stay in place but if anyone orders any, check the old bulb against the new one and you will see what I mean. Anyway, Thanks again DX, it's nice to see some light on my dash once again!! __________________ '01 V40 2.0 Ph2 141,000mi (lower than the last one) '98 Honda CR-V 2.0 Auto (as this is the car I'm teaching SWMBO to drive in) Previous: '97 V40 2.0CD with 173,000mi on the clock and now sold!!

Jun 4th, 2012, 09:53	#65
DXMachina I ate all your bees Last Online: Sep 1st, 2023 17:00 Join Date: May 2012 Location: Rickmansworth, Herts	No worries I'd like to confirm that Phase 2 V40s like my 2001 model do NOT take R509Ts in the headlight switch area, they use T4s And also, some T4 LEDs won't fit due to the narrow aperture. So I'll be back here with an eBay link once my 2nd set of T4s arrives... __________________ '98 Saab 9-3 2.3i Conv owner. Former keeper of 1996 Saab 900iS 2.0 conv, 2001 V40 2.0i, 1999 Mondeo TD, 1995 Mondeo TD, 1990 Passat GT16v, 1983 Passat 1.8CL

Jun 4th, 2012, 19:40	#67
DXMachina I ate all your bees Last Online: Sep 1st, 2023 17:00 Join Date: May 2012 Location: Rickmansworth, Herts	Ultra-cheap / DIY solution I got bored, went for a wander, and saw an open Maplin store, and remembered advice earlier in this thread about using these to light the climate controls. So I went in and bought a few '5mm 12v LEDs' - an LED with inbuilt resister for 12v usage They cost 64 pence each. Got out a dead Volvo bulb from the headlight switch of my Phase 2 V40, , pulled the glass bulb module out of it with pliers (Crunch!) , pulled off the little solder tabs that make contact, (then trod on one. ouch) trimmed a few millimetres off the height & fed the 12v LED into it, folded the wires up to make contacts, crimped them off, and installed And its so bright outside I can't tell if its working or not yet ! But yes I did check with a multitester that the legs had current running to them, so signs are good. __________________ '98 Saab 9-3 2.3i Conv owner. Former keeper of 1996 Saab 900iS 2.0 conv, 2001 V40 2.0i, 1999 Mondeo TD, 1995 Mondeo TD, 1990 Passat GT16v, 1983 Passat 1.8CL

Jun 4th, 2012, 19:46	#68
gatos Premier Member Last Online: Nov 15th, 2022 21:34 Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: London / Essex	Let us know if it is as bright as the bulbs. When I did the same on mine, I found that the LED brightness was waaaaaaaaay much lower than the bulbs and gave up on the idea __________________ Current car: 2002 S40 1.9D, 1992 240SE Nullius in Verba

May 27th, 2012, 22:33	#61
DXMachina I ate all your bees Last Online: Sep 1st, 2023 17:00 Join Date: May 2012 Location: Rickmansworth, Herts	I see no value in replacing a filament bulb with another of the same - it's antiquated technology that draws more power and lasts less time! The 4 x 16 SMD LED 501s in my dome lights and the bright blue SMD Festoon light in my footwell are far brighter and clearer than the filaments i replaced with them. I hope to bring the same benefits to my dash panels. And some further digging suggests that a T4 Wedge Bulb - which is available in white LED form on eBay - may be the same type as the headlight panel lights (certainly the same dimensions) so I have ordered some to try.

May 29th, 2012, 20:02	#63
DXMachina I ate all your bees Last Online: Sep 1st, 2023 17:00 Join Date: May 2012 Location: Rickmansworth, Herts	When they arrive I will return to this thread with a report on compatibility, an eBay link, and photos Its a P2 incidentally - 2001 / Y reg

Jun 4th, 2012, 12:44	#66
v40chris Junior Member Last Online: Sep 3rd, 2013 18:14 Join Date: May 2012 Location: edinburgh	Great write up. Didn't notice until last night, the light controls dont illuminate at all and the heater control panel is yellow as opposed to green. I'll need to get onto Rufe for some prices when Volvo re-opens, see they are closed for the Jubilee

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