Replacing the dimmer switch in your Volvo 850 / S70

Volvo 850's / S70's that were made in 1995 up to 1998 are starting to show their age, with several parts that need to be replaced, due to age. One of the parts that is notorious to fail due to age is the dimmer switch located on your dashboard, to the left of the instrument panel. A symptom of a failing switch is most noticeable when driving at night. The instrument cluster may be very dim, then the brightness may adjust its self with out you even touching the dimmer. This is a very simple job to do, and can be done in less than 5 minutes.

Prerequisites:
Flat head screw driver
A towel or something soft
A marker or something to pry against
New dimmer switch

1. Locate the dimmer switch. It is right next to the instrument panel, next to the fuel gauge. Its also above the rear foglight switch, if equipped.

2. Take your towel and screw driver, and pry the foglight switch out, starting at the bottom. On cars not equipped with foglights, there is a "dummy" plastic cover here. All you have to do is pry it out. One you have part of the switch or cover out, you can remove it with your fingers.

3. You can just let the foglight switch hang loosely (if equipped).

4. Onto the dimmer switch. using your marker or appropriate prying tool, put your flat head screw driver in the back lip of the dimmer switch. Pry it out towards you.

5. Once the switch is out, use your flat head screw driver to pry the two clips holding the dimmer switch in place with the electrical connector.

6. Get your new dimmer switch and snap it into the electrical connector.

7. Push the dimmer back into its appropriate location.

8. Push the foglight switch back into place, or snap the dummy cover back into its location. Your finished!