940 Automatic Selector Bulb Replacement

[vanbeck1]

The bulb that tells me the gear on my 1992 Volvo 940 automatic decided to give up the ghost after 14 years. So I decided to dig into to the selector lever and change it, a simple matter I thought. I managed to access the old bulb under the selector quadrant relatively easily, although the Haynes manual seems to have a different Volvo 940 to mine to use as an example. Purchased the new bulb from Volvo and discovered it came as a bulb complete with holder and 8 inches of wires with spade terminals. Ok, but when I traced the old bulb the wires disappeared down the side of the transmission tunnel and were totally lost from view. Pulled out the relay tray to get better access, but no success. Gentle pulling on the cables did not produce any terminal block so I suspect this is jammed down the side of the transmission tunnel. Solutions that sprang to mind were 1. Bodge the thing by cutting the old wires and taping the new ones in. It would work but would not look too professional. 2. Un-solder the wires from the old and new bulb holder and reconnect to the new one, but I would probably apply too much heat ands blow the new bulb. Haynes suggest that getting the centre console side panels off is a major job and is it worth it for a pesky bulb?

Any suggestions better than the ones I have already thought of? What annoys me is that the car has been Volvo serviced all its life and therefore it is likely Volvo who have caused this problem at some time in thepast. I have also noticed the relay tray does not fit into its bracket, but merely sits?? inside the centre dash area. I also note some of the relays are not fitted but merely hang on the ends of their wires. Not very professional. Does anyone have a drawing that shows the position of the various relays on the tray so I can try to identify what I have be elimination.

[RollingThunder]

Can't help you with the bulb replacement, but the relay locations are documented here - http://www.brickboard.com/FAQ/700-90...RelayLocations

Hope this helps.

All the best,

[bogart]

If it was me I would just cut the old wires and join the new ones. Can use a bit of electrical connection block, plus insulating tape or maybe spade/bullet connectors again taped. If you start digging about for the present connector might cause more problems than you cure.
Finally do not take the relay layouts as gospel. My 940 OD relay is double sized, green and sits right at the back of the right hand side.

[Graham Eastwood]

Hi,
Persavere with this bulb change, the wires push into a connector, the wire is fastened to a loom via a tie wrap. You may have a few scratched fingers at the end of the process, but it's worth it.
Good Luck

[terry_cunnane]

Does the bulb pull out of the holder? It might be a tight fit; mine was.

Terry

[vanbeck1]

I did try to get the bulb out of the holder, but it seemed immoveable.I think I am trying to get too s****y for a simple problem and will probably cut the old bulb holder off and tape the new wires into the old loom. If the temperature rises a bit to morrow i will have another look see. Unfortunately getting old and the eyesight is not what it was. Having to use a torch to grope about in the relay area, even in daylight.

Thanks for all the suggestions.

[bogart]

Sounds very familiar scenario.

[Andy_Gibson]

I had to change the one on mine as well, the lamp just pulled out of the lamp holder......... 1.2W wadge lamp cost 79p from my local motor factors