So I was just given a 97 850 Wagon, 5-speed AWD

There are a few things that need fixing. I'm pretty mechanically inclined but just like most other people, I struggle with electrical.

So when I first drove it, none of the cluster lights, head/tail lights or turn signals worked. I called my friend up and he said that all I had to do was turn the key back slightly.

Ta-Da......he was right.

The fuse for the interior light & the fuse for the blower motor had been pulled. They stay on even if the key is pulled from the ignition. Also, the blower motor can't be controlled. it just stays on full blast.


With problems like this, I would normally just drive it into a ditch and set it on fire. But it being an AWD Turbo Wagon with a manual gearbox, it's definitely a keeper.

I've got a few friends that own shops so before I go to them, I'd like to have an idea of where to start as none of them own/work on Volvo's.

Thanks guys

 

I would most likely say that first off you will need a new ignition switch to fix the first issue. Second is that for some reason the blower motor is getting full power all the time. I would look for a short in the motor's power circuit. If that cannot be found then it could very likely be a bad blower motor switch, blower motor resistor, or motor itself. None of these are break the bank repairs or enough to drive a FREE car of a clif. Good luck and keep us posted

 

I believe you are correct about the replacement of the ignition switch. That will be done fairly soon. I have just replaced the blower motor. The resistor is built in since it has the ambient temp sensor/auto climate control.

I've spent the day looking over a wiring diagram and believe that the "culprit" is the Heater Fan Power Module. No idea where it is yet, lol, but since the module is always hot(has power) I'm thinking that I've found my issue.

Any thoughts on this?

 

Sounds like you are on the right track......

 

Do you or anybody else have a link to an online repair manual?

 

Volvotips is a good start, plus search Youtube for vids.

 

 

Whatever you do, NEVER install different size tires on that car with the AWD system, not even a spare. It can destroy the system in less than 20 miles.

 

I don't know why cars have to have so many complex things we don't need, but so it is for the Volvo 850 "fan speed controller". duh.

Anyway, there are excellent 850 manuals here:
https://www.volvoclub.org.uk/volvo_w...techdocs.shtml

These are for earlier model cars, but they'll still work for the engine and of course the HVAC system in a 97.

Wiring diagrams are also available at
Volvo Wiring Diagrams

The diagrams have locator diagrams for components, but honestly, they're hard to figure out. They were made for illiterate people, unfortunately.