Hi, I'm a newbie, and also new Volvo owner (wanted one for a long time, but never took the plunge). Now proud owner of a '94 850 that seems to be in real good condition. Here's the problem.

1. The central locking function doesn't work. Using key doesn't lock and unlock the other doors, consequently have to manually operate all the doors. This car does not have a remote lock or alarm system as far as I can tell (is there a way to know for sure if these features are on the car?). Pretty sure neither front door will actuate system. Is there a fuse or central relay somewhere?
2. The key will not even go into the trunk lock. The lock slot is positioned vertically, and the trunk is "unlocked" so that it can be opened from outside with the latch. The key will go in halfway and then stops. I have no way to lock the trunk. Is this just a messed up lock cylinder?
3. Any good online service manuals out there?

Thanks in advance.
Keith

 

Maybe a fuse is blown or the relay is bad. Or maybe even someone removed the relay.

The relay is under the dash on the drivers side. You have to remove the lower dash panel. Then look under the dash by the kick panel. You will see a bunch of relays.
Most are marked for what they are for. Try to find the lock relay and alarm relay and check them both. They are both bigger relays like a double wide relay.

 

Thanks for the quick reply tech. Also forgot there's another issue. The blower fan only works on high. Worked fine when I first bought it, but quit working on lower speeds within a week. Heard talk of a resistor speed controller. Is that likely the cause? If so, where is it located?
Thanks again.
Keith

 

Yes it is most likely the problem.
It is under the dash on the passenger side.
You have to remove the lower dash panel. Then remove the metal knee bolster. Then you wil see a black resistor in the climate box. That is it.

 

Hi Keith,

Welcome to the forum, I have a best friend named "Keith" in Vermont.

As to your questions:

1) See attached pic for the fuse location; the fuse box is in the engine compartment on the driver's side.
2) I had the same problem and I believe you need a different key to open the trunk.
3)
http://www.volvoclub.org.uk/volvo_wo...techdocs.shtml
https://www.volvotechinfo.com/index.cfm?event=shop.cart
4) See attached pic for the location of the "resistor a.k.a Power Stage).

I hope this gets you started.


JPN

 

Thanks guys,this is very helpful. JPN it looks from that picture of the passenger side that you also have to pull out the glovebox liner, or at least it makes it easier to see the "power stage" (what a great name).
Thanks for the pics, I've saved them.
K

 

Hi Keith,

Yes, if you refer to Tech's reply:

Yes it is most likely the problem.
It is under the dash on the passenger side.
You have to remove the lower dash panel. Then remove the metal knee bolster. Then you will see a black resistor in the climate box. That is it.

I personally would disconnect the negative battery cable when I work near the SRS. A Haynes manual is helpful in this case, but the manual isn't specific/thorough enough for those who dig deeper into all systems.

With Torx bits, remove the glove box door, box, and lower trim panel & knee bolster (shaped like a duct cut in half, held by regular nuts x4). This will give you enough space to get to the resistor, blower fan, etc...

Best wishes,


JPN

 

Thanks JPN, your instructions are fantastic. I'll let you know how it goes.

 

This is a follow up to the blower speed issue. I finally got the glove box out (tricky little clips on the door limiters really had me for a while).

What I noticed first was a broken connecting rod for what appears to be the outside air damper. I've tested the operation of the controls and the drive shaft for this control rod only turns when you open and close outside air switch. It turns less than a quarter turn, is that normal?

Anyway, is there any possibility that might also affect the problem of it defaulting to high-speed fan operation only? It doesn't seem like it would. Here are a couple pictures. One is the broken rod, one is thedamper controler and shaft,the other is what I think is the blower resister. Can somebody ID that for me? Is there any way to test this thing? I really need a shop manual I suppose. I guess I should check those online manuals JPN sent.

Anyway it looks like a call to the dealer is in order. Can't wait to see what it's going to cost.

[IMG]local://upfiles/11345/B9438F4C62A84C889AAE52D1E6DBD8E8.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]local://upfiles/11345/A972FCEAE120488E9842708983B2B4A2.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]local://upfiles/11345/D8ECA18F2EB34A5782ADE02334543315.jpg[/IMG]

 

Argg. Duhhh. Never mind on the ID of the part. I went and looked myself, and I see what the resistor is now. Thanks JPN for that online service manual link!
Keith

 

Hi Keith,

My pleasure. Be sure to check out FCP Groton of CT as well:

http://www.fcpgroton.com/volvo.htm#850

I wish you the best with your 850.

Sincerely,


JPN

 

That rod only controls the Recirc function.