Tested and confirmed the switch on the MCC has failed and have since found the part is obsolete. What are pros and cons of getting one from a wreck yard? Reminder: At first, the light stopped glowing when I turned on the compressor switch. I thought it was burned out till I read that's a symptom. Tested the switch itself and yes, it needs replacing. Lower speeds went first. Speed 4 was last to go. Now, speed 4 will turn on rarely, blow for a couple of seconds and stop completely. Haven't tested the resistor or fan motor. Engine runs GREAT but am getting nervous that the car is beginning to tell me it's time to let it go. Any and all words or expertise and wisdom appreciated on this. Thanks

 

I'm a big fan of wrecking yards. Half of any repair job is the dissembly of the old parts. A Pick n' Pull yard will allow you to practice taking stuff apart so any oopses can be ironed out before you work on your own car.

The car is old enough to buy cigarettes and lotto tickets, so it's really no surprise that stuff is starting to wear out. You have to decide how much you like it and if you want to trade it in for something else that might have trouble (if it has wheels or *****, you WILL have trouble with it). I had reached that point with my old Explorer. I switched to a 95 850 turbo and I'm loving it.

 

If the switch is no longer available it tends to shorten the conversation on if you should consider a used part.

Unless you purchase a non 850 speed selector switch (BMW, Toyota, ???) and figure out a way to wire it in and attach it. Sounds like that is the only way you might go new.

 

He started the tread by saying that the part is NO LONGER available. If that's the case, your only option is to get a used one.

If I were you, I'd pull the resistor and see what shape it appears to be in. I have seen them cracked, broken, etc. If it looks good, get a used MCC unit.

 

Thanks for the input. The other option I questioned was to sell the car. It was my dad's, and selling it would be giving up the one last connection to him. So, was asking in case my emotions were clouding my judgment. BTW -- I'm not a he! I have *****, Mumblix-Grumph. Guess you think I'm trouble, haha. Will refrain from stating my suggestion back. RSPI, are your saying if the resistor is not good, you don't recommend getting even a used switch? Kiss4AFrog, had thought of going to another brand. Guess I'll research that, too.

 

Parts Geek has the whole MCC unit for $537, remanufactured. They'll refund $200 if I send them back my original unit. The one I originally posted on ebay is an ACC, so no, it won't work. The ebay units were used, as is, and 1/10th as much as the remanufactured parts geek unit. Is it overkill to replace the entire climate control box?

 

95 850, please accept my apologies. Some times I try too hard to be a comic. But seriously, a Pick n' Pull type of wrecking yard is a great place to get stuff.

 

Noooooo problem, Mumblix! The parts geek part is ACC not MCC. Looking more and more online, I'm finding ACC's by the boatload. Thinking I'll need to go to a wreck yard to be certain I'm getting what I need. Found a diagram for removing the MCC unit and it looks pretty easy, so looks like I'll be trying something new! Cross your fingers for me.

 

My fingers are crossed!

Too bad you're not in the Tacoma area. My Pick n' Pull has 2 1995 850's in the lot. I went there today and took the passenger side headlight lens off of one.

 

What kind of lady would use the screen name "95 850". I'm sure you broke some forum rule by not using something like "rose 850" or "fragrance 850.

Besides that, it is rather difficult to get into these units to change just the switch. As much as I like to dig into things, I don't think I would have considered taking one of these units apart and replacing the switch. I would just yank one out of a salvage yard car.

Now to the possible sentimental attachment... If you are not mechanically inclined, please get rid of the car. They like attention and are finicky about who gives it (experienced Volvo mechanic), so they can be more trouble than they are worth. I love to tinker so is a dream come true for me.

As for your switch, after reading your post again, it seems that you are sure the switch is bad and it isn't an issue with the resistor so focus on getting a replacement controller. You are correct, you need a MCC not an ECC type of unit.

Back to your possible attachment, I'm sure you have your dads nose, smile or attitude (I won't say *****) so hang on to those things that can last forever (and no one can take away). You can cherish those things forever.

 

Besides that, it is rather difficult to get into these units to change just the switch. As much as I like to dig into things, I don't think I would have considered taking one of these units apart and replacing the switch. I would just yank one out of a salvage yard car.

Now to the possible sentimental attachment... If you are not mechanically inclined, please get rid of the car. They like attention and are finicky about who gives it (experienced Volvo mechanic), so they can be more trouble than they are worth. I love to tinker so is a dream come true for me.

As for your switch, after reading your post again, it seems that you are sure the switch is bad and it isn't an issue with the resistor so focus on getting a replacement controller. You are correct, you need a MCC not an ECC type of unit.

Back to your possible attachment, I'm sure you have your dads nose, smile or attitude (I won't say *****) so hang on to those things that can last forever (and no one can take away). You can cherish those things forever.

 

Do be careful when removing these things. They are very dangerous. I have been cut twice by removing them. If you plan to do it yourself, I would suggest getting some thick leather gloves and put a towel on your arms. The way you remove them is to push them out from the back (at least the ECC ones). When you do this they release with a jolt, which usually causes your hands to fling in the direction of the release causing your hands to be sliced by the thin sharp plastic dash. Then the unit will usually be propelled out of the dash and land on your arms when did cut mine. So I had cut fingers and a cut arm. It was quite the unpleasant surprise.

Our salvage yard sells the units for less than $20 so that would be the way to go.

 

Well RSPI, sorry for breaking forum gender ID rules! Your post took me from smiles to misty eyes, there. I definitely favor my dad, except he never had man *****! Dad lived with us his last year, and we call the car Butch which was his nickname. Thanks for the warning re: the danger in removing the AC Control unit. Definitely rethinking the DIY plan. I've driven this car for about 6 years now. Thinking about letting it go, and won't be for another Volvo. Then I thought maybe I could buy the house next door to you if/when it goes on the market and appeal to your sense of adventure? If I always parked the car in the driveway...... Are the S40's as finicky?

 

All cars are finacky after they get 10+ years old. Also, the S40 is a Ford built Volvo so they may have other issues that I'm not aware of.

I'm not real sure what the deal is with a lot of mechanics. Volvo's like many other foreign cars have a couple of unique systems but they are not difficult. I think the problem may have been that the owners, being educated, didn't put up with much junk from mechanics hacking things up so many of them just backed away and only do work for a few customers. The cars pre 2000 were designed to be easy to work on.

I don't think the unit is that dangerous to replace, you just need to know the risk.

 

just for the record, my mechanic is great. No complaints. He's just a jag expert. I end up researching issues with my 850, tell him what I've learned (many times not knowing exactly what I'm saying to him), and he applies my research to his knowledge. It's sometimes a learning curve for him, but it's generally worked great for 6 years. I'm seeing more and more of him these days, plus neither of us knew not to replace just the climate control switch vs the complete MCC unit. So, yes, I agree with rspi that it's time for a change. Will detail my beloved Butch and see who wants to buy him. But I've learned so much here. Gee I'll be missing you guys...

 

The next owner will love Butch. Hopefully it will be their first car and they'll cherish and never forget it.

 

rspi, we seem to think alike. (Will let you decide for yourself if that's a good thing or bad ) I was thinking a young man who likes to work on old cars would get *lots* of years out of Butch and love it. Time will tell.