Volvo Repair: Headlights and fuses, volvo mechanics, early monday morning

Question
Hello, I have a 1989, 740 GL Volvo.  The lights, air conditioner, and windshield wipers, and perhaps other things, at times have recently not been working.  The last time they were not working, I checked the fuse which the schematic located under the ashtray, claims works the headlights and the fuse was fine.  In addition, I do not know if this has anything to do with it but recently my speedometer has also not been working properly.  If I hit a bump on the road, the pointer drops.  My mechanic said the only way to fix it is to replace it with the new speedometer, but then I would lose my mileage (yikes, that is the beauty of owning a Volvo)!  Any idea what else this could possibly be?  I am moving to Virginia from Pennsylvania early Monday morning, and my Volvo mechanics do not have time to look at it between now and then.

Also, if you would please, do you have any idea how I take that radio out and if I get it out will a new (to me it's really an old Volvo radio which works) radio work in its place.

Thanks for your help; you have been a great help to me once before.  Volvo's rule!

Rachel

Answer
Rachel, did you try to back the key off a little to see if the lights come on?  If not, what you are describing sounds like a problem with the electrical portion of the ignition switch.  Common problem on these.  As far as the speedo, they are right but there also may be a loose connection on the back of the instrument cluster. By the way, you can order the speedometer with your milage but it will cost extra.  The radio is basically a pain. You have to take the knobs off and then there is a small catch on bothe sides that you have to pull towards the center then the radio comes out.  Hope this helps.  Roger