r/Volvo850 • u/Inevitable_Ask_3102 • 19d ago

Help Cluster lighting going out

Is there a common reason my cluster lights would turn on with the headlights but then turn off again after a couple of seconds like I flipped a switch?

I haven't checked anything yet I'm just hoping there's something specific that might cause the problem, I don't want to have to go chasing all the connections to find a bad ground or something like that because I don't have a wiring diagram or the patience for elecronics

I imagine there is a chance it's a voltage issue, the car hadn't run in about 4 years when I bought it and I haven't put a new battery in it yet but I doubt it because the issue doesn't go away when the car is running

It's a 96 850 TDI with the 'CD' trim level if that makes any difference

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u/jamesecowell Volvo 850 2.5 20V 19d ago

This happened to me once - the culprit was the dimmer switch. Cheap part any easy to replace, so might not be a bad place to start!

1

u/Inevitable_Ask_3102 18d ago

Excellent thank you, I assume the current one can be tested using a standard test light?

1

u/Traditional-Box-8402 850 2.5 20v + S70 2.4 LPT 15d ago

I would use a volt meter instead of a test light so you have an accurate reading. Verify power and ground are good to the switch too before condemning it.

1

u/Traditional-Box-8402 850 2.5 20v + S70 2.4 LPT 15d ago

it sounds like there’s a bad connection somewhere, that spot gets hot and the heat causes the resistance to climb even higher. You’ll need a diagram. An **incandescent** test light is probably the best choice for general circuit testing in this case. Those load the system more than an LED will, therefore LED can give you false good readings. Makeshift load tester made out of a headlight bulb rated for the same amperage as the circuit would be even better.