LEB bulb for Instrument Cluster

Derry · Sep 21st, 2020, 18:07

I have the instrument cluster out to replace one of the four main bulbs across the middle which illuminates the cluster. Since I have it out I will replace the four. I was just wondering if anyone has replaced them with LED alternative. I have a few spare ones and even thought a bit taller they do fit inside. Also if you look in the picture the original has a silver ‘tint’. Is that by design or they become like that over the years.

amazondean · Sep 21st, 2020, 18:25

I am pretty sure they are usually clear!

Cookeh · Sep 21st, 2020, 18:40

The defacto guide and thread on LED swaps:

http://volvospeed.com/vs_forum/topic...ics-of-my-car/

turboboy · Sep 21st, 2020, 20:21

Quote:

Originally Posted by amazondean

I am pretty sure they are usually clear!

Yes, they should be clear. The silvering is when they are failing.

stevepcar · Nov 6th, 2020, 17:26

1996 850 T5 20V Turbo 213l engine.
I am trying to get replacements for the 4-bulbs that go across the front of the cluster & illuminate the speedometer rev counter etc. I have the original bulbs out they are OS 12v W3W E1 2GM w6d & trying to get a match is a minefield. I don't want to go down the LED route, so I just want to know which equivalent bulbs I need. Can anybody help please?

Martin Cox · Nov 6th, 2020, 18:18

I think it's likely the instrument panel illumination bulbs in the 850 are the same as those in my 1998 V70. In which case this may help.

"There are four 3W 12V T3 1/4 wedge base lamps which are mounted in black holders which sit horizontally. These are the illumination bulbs. The Volvo part number for these bulbs is 989794 and they are a commonly available bulb. I got mine from RS and their part number is 106-379. However they are widely available on the internet."

I've lifted this from a post of mine from about a month ago.

To answer another query, the silvery coating on the inside of old bulbs that have been in service for a long time is tungsten which has evaporated from the filament and gets deposited on the glass. Eventually so much tungsten evaporates that the filament thins and fails.

Martin

stevepcar · Nov 7th, 2020, 11:33

Thank you Martin. Just checked on the RS site with the part no you have recommended, but in the spec they say that they are 10mm (across the wedge I think), the bulb diameter is 10.29mm and length is 27mm Mine are 9mm across the wedge & diameter is the same, the length is 25mm. Not sure they will fit?

Martin Cox · Nov 7th, 2020, 16:19

Stevepcar, All I can say is I had no trouble fitting the RS bulbs. I did keep the old bulbs and I'll measure them to compare the two types. I think the socket is reasonably generously dimensioned.

Alternatively the Osram 12V W3W, also known as a 504, is listed by Skandix as an equivalent and Volvo seem to have been using this type of bulb for about 50 years. Again these seem widely available and are probably cheap enough to try one and see if it fits.

Martin

stevepcar · Nov 7th, 2020, 16:51

Thanks Martin I got a 504 from my local motor factors and they fit so all ok and only £1.29 each

Sep 21st, 2020, 18:25	#2
amazondean amazondean Last Online: Apr 15th, 2024 12:19 Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Nettleton Market Rasen	I am pretty sure they are usually clear! __________________ There are only two things in life that is easy. One's lying down and the other is handing your credit card over. everything else has a degree of skill. Volvo 850 TDI, 850 TDI, 850 TDI Volvo V70 TDI, V70 TDI, Volvo V70 XC, (99)

Sep 21st, 2020, 18:40	#3
Cookeh Premier Member Last Online: Sep 14th, 2022 17:04 Join Date: Jan 2018 Location: Derbyshire	The defacto guide and thread on LED swaps: http://volvospeed.com/vs_forum/topic...ics-of-my-car/ __________________ 1995 Volvo 850 T5 Estate (Manual) Last edited by Cookeh; Sep 21st, 2020 at 19:02. Reason: Wrong LED thread linked...apologies!

Nov 6th, 2020, 17:26	#5
stevepcar Steve Last Online: Today 11:19 Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Bristol	Panel Lights 1996 850 T5 20V Turbo 213l engine. I am trying to get replacements for the 4-bulbs that go across the front of the cluster & illuminate the speedometer rev counter etc. I have the original bulbs out they are OS 12v W3W E1 2GM w6d & trying to get a match is a minefield. I don't want to go down the LED route, so I just want to know which equivalent bulbs I need. Can anybody help please?

Nov 7th, 2020, 11:33	#7
stevepcar Steve Last Online: Today 11:19 Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Bristol	Dashboard Bulbs Thank you Martin. Just checked on the RS site with the part no you have recommended, but in the spec they say that they are 10mm (across the wedge I think), the bulb diameter is 10.29mm and length is 27mm Mine are 9mm across the wedge & diameter is the same, the length is 25mm. Not sure they will fit?

Nov 7th, 2020, 16:51	#9
stevepcar Steve Last Online: Today 11:19 Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Bristol	Panel Bulbs Thanks Martin I got a 504 from my local motor factors and they fit so all ok and only £1.29 each

Nov 6th, 2020, 18:18	#6
Martin Cox VOC Member Last Online: Today 10:13 Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Hull	I think it's likely the instrument panel illumination bulbs in the 850 are the same as those in my 1998 V70. In which case this may help. "There are four 3W 12V T3 1/4 wedge base lamps which are mounted in black holders which sit horizontally. These are the illumination bulbs. The Volvo part number for these bulbs is 989794 and they are a commonly available bulb. I got mine from RS and their part number is 106-379. However they are widely available on the internet." I've lifted this from a post of mine from about a month ago. To answer another query, the silvery coating on the inside of old bulbs that have been in service for a long time is tungsten which has evaporated from the filament and gets deposited on the glass. Eventually so much tungsten evaporates that the filament thins and fails. Martin

Nov 7th, 2020, 16:19	#8
Martin Cox VOC Member Last Online: Today 10:13 Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Hull	Stevepcar, All I can say is I had no trouble fitting the RS bulbs. I did keep the old bulbs and I'll measure them to compare the two types. I think the socket is reasonably generously dimensioned. Alternatively the Osram 12V W3W, also known as a 504, is listed by Skandix as an equivalent and Volvo seem to have been using this type of bulb for about 50 years. Again these seem widely available and are probably cheap enough to try one and see if it fits. Martin

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