Volvo: warning lights on dash board, les schwab, poor connections

Question
About 8 weeks ago all the lights on my dash started to periodically go out, the problem lasted about 2 weeks then disappeared.  About two weeks ago while trying to leave event parking, we were in slow and parked traffic for 90 minutes, my check engine light went on sporadically about 4 times.  This problem has not repeated.  Three days ago my brake light has started to come on.  Both front and back brakes were replaced within last 4 months.  I am taking car in where brakes were done (Les Schwab) this afternoon but am wondering if you have any idea why the lights are coming on sporadically and why the lights also go off so I can't read the mpr or anything else on the dash.  The turn lights and front and back lights outside the car continue to work when the dash lights are out.  When I first bought the car the electrical went out and it was replaced under warranty.  I love my car and my husband just started a new business so I am hesitant to take it to a Volvo shop and be stabbed with a huge price. I would love any ideas you may offer.  Thanks so much for this wonderful service.  I will wait with anticipation your reply.


Answer
Julie,
Lights going on and off could be a loose or poor connection in the cluster, or the dimmer is going out or has poor connections. Real hard to say what the problem is. You really need the help of someone that you can show the problems to and then leave them the car. If the check engine light came on I would check for codes. You said the brake light came on? What light the ABS on the dash? The parking brake light? The brake light warning of low fluid on the dash? Have the shop check these things so you know.
Sometimes it is better to see or go to the dealer because they know the car and have a better understanding of how or what to look at for certain problems. You could end up going to a non-Volvo shop several times to get things repaired.