How to refurbish the dash light dimmer rheostat
05.03.2019At the Volvo 940 from 1993 on, a new version of the dimmer switch "Rheostat" was used. This version no longer has knobs for adjusting the clock. The switch itself has two different types of background illumination: - The illumiation of the icon is done via the same dashboard light rail which also illuminates the switches for headlamps and foglights. If all these switches are not illuminated you need to replace the bulb Skandix 1048577. - The illumination of the rheostat scale bar is done via a small bulb inside the dimmer switch. We show how to replace it.
Dash ligth diimmer switch. If the kickpanel has been removed under the dashboard and the connector has been removed, the switch can simply be pushed out to the rear (in the direction of travel).
To dismantle the switch unlock the 4 grey stop noses with a flat screwdriver.
Now pull out the electronical part.
You can replace the bulb by soldering.
It makes sense in that occasion to clean the conductive paths with contact cleaner spray and re-bend the contact feet at the inside of the silder. Bad contact here causes problems with flickering or failing dash illumination.
You can replace the original bulb with a 1,2W glass socket bulb (Skandix 1015554) when you bend the contacts away from the socket.
A suitable blue colour cap is also available (Skandix 1018991).
Now the scale is illuminated again. The brightness is dimmed analog to the dash lights.
- All notes serve only as an example and do not replace the workshop instructions of the automobile manufacturers! All information is supplied without guarantee!
Additional information...
- 1057144: Switch, Dimming instrument lighting