Hi folks, new here, sorry if I'm not posting in the right area.
I just bought a 1995 850. Seems to be in good order. The AC is dead. And more worryingly the signals don't work. Do any of you have experience with this problem? Is it a linkage problem? I figure it can't be a fuse because the turn signals work when in park but not when in drive.
I've noted some of the volvo mechanics listed on this site (I'm in Oakville).
I'm hoping to get cheap used parts to fix this...
Thanks, glad I found this forum!

 

Not a common problem from what I've seen. I have no idea why they would work in park and not in drive. Doesn't make sense to me.

 

do the headlights work?

 

Hi, thanks for your replies. This is my first used car since going through some bad financial times and I really appreciate the help. The headlights do work.

I pick up the car in a couple of days, I just want to be prepared if I will be seriously out of pocket trying to get the signals fixed...AC would have been nice

 

I had a somewhat similar problem with my 95 850..if you jiggle or push on the key do they work? If they work sometimes, or when you push on the key, then its your ignition switch..I picked up a used one at the junk yard for $5.

 

I have a 95 850 wagon. I would have a problem with the cruise being intermittent and idiot lights coming on. I found that it could be the ignition switch and bought a new one. It did fix the problem. But I also have a problem with my turn signals where once in a while they don't flash. It doesn't happen very often but it's bothersome as I do signal my turns. I don't think the ignition switch would cure your problem but if you can grab a used one cheap you could always give it a try. I'm more likely to think both your problem and mine might be in the switch.

 

Hi! I picked up the car yesterday and it's amazing! I love it. Thanks for your replies, it was the ignition switch, it's very sensitive, if I just slightly move the key in the ignition forward it works fine.

 

If moving the key solves the problem then you need to replace the switch. It will only get worse and give you more problems and at some point fail to start.
Now I need to wait till I have another episode of no signal and see if moving mine solves it. I really don't want to go back in there and replace my ignition switch again.

 

Wow, that's strange. Volvo has a lot of stuff going through the ignition switch. The 960's have a lot of problems with them, usually not springing back after you start the car. You have to turn it back a little to get the car out of park, use the windows, cruise, lights, etc. On the 960's it's usually a bundle problem, not just a single one.

 

it seems to be more of a problem with a lot of cars.... my 01 chrysler sebring had the same issues had the switch replaced and worked fine for a few months then I had to start turning the key back slightly after I started the car.... since my 01 sebring was built by mercedies and imported to the u.s. I think that it is a problem for many european autos....

 

Back again, just love the volvos! Had no idea there were so many on the road, and old ones too.

QUESTION: Looking at buying a 2002 AWD V70 wagon as well. My mechanic said that there may be $$$ issues with the AWD. ANY EXPERIENCE Volvo enthusiasts, please help?

 

I just solved the problem on my 850 wagon by holding the ignition switch in position three for 2 seconds. This was affecting my headlights, the shift, the turn signals and my speedometer. Thanks for the suggestion.

I am not much of a mechanic. How easy is it to swap out the ignition? Are there any references for 850 repairs?

Thanks,

George

 

Dear George,

I did my own 95 850. The main thing is to disconnect the battery before you touch the air bag. To get down to the switch you have to remove the air bag. To do that you have to unlock the ignition switch so the wheel will turn. You need to be able to turn the wheel to access the two torx screws that are on the backside of the steering wheel that hold the airbag on. If you're lucky the steering wheel in indexed. If not, take a chisel and make a mark on both the steering shaft and steering wheel to make them for re-assembly. I'm used to them having something that doesn't allow them to be put on just anyway so I didn't mark mine before I took it apart. To get it back together I had to take it out for a drive and reposition the steering wheel twice to get it centered. My second mistake was I didn't plug in the air bag before I drove the car and I set the air bag light off. The rest of the procedure is very simple with basic hand tools and no tricks. I think there maybe a write up on Matthew's site but I'm not sure. You might need a steering wheel puller. If you don't have one you can get a loaner from one of the auto parts stores.

 

Just reporting, still working by jiggling switch after 6 months. Car will be turning 17 soon!

 

My 960 worked for years with turning the key back a little.