I have a 1995 850, and at the bottom of the seat, it says that it has the SIPS on the plastic of the seat, or something of that nature that indicates that it should have the side impact airbags. The seats do not look like there are side impact airbags, or at least it looks that way to me. The seat is completely sown together with leather, and, like I said, it looks like there are no side impact airbags. How will I know if the seat has them or not? Here are a couple of pictures of the driverside chair. The passenger side is the same.

[IMG]local://upfiles/1748/8628DE0FE39B4C9B87F4980C1D3601FD.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]local://upfiles/1748/603A756D575C4417A0A58A12942EC213.jpg[/IMG]

 

I believe the air bag is at the side of the backrest of the seat to protect your side torso in the event of an impact. It is covered with vinyl which will tear when the airbag is inflated.

 

It is under the leather and yes the seam splits when there is a side impact.

 

One last question. I believe that I need to get my airbags serviced. The tag on the door says October 2005. What does that entail, and can I do it myself?

 

Check with the dealer on some of the models they extended the years.But they say they should be replaced on the year that is on the sticker or there is a possibility they won't work.

 

That sounds like another expensive issue?

 

Most people don't replace them when they are due.

 

Is this a job I can do myself? And, about how much will it cost, eitherway?

 

Call the dealer and get a price on both front air bags and then take it from there.
Yes you can do it your self.

You don't have to worry about the seat that one is not electronic.

 

What about the side impact airbags?

 

I would not worry about them they are set off by like a push button setup.It takes alot to set them off in an accident.If you want to see somewhat how it works remove the outside seat panel.Remove it carefully.You will see like a round cylinder and outside of it you will see a metal bracket like peice that comes up outside of it.When the outside part of it gets hit hard enough to make both peices touch then the bag will go off.

 

So, it's not necessarily the airbags themselves that go bad, it's the switch... I'm referring to the front airbags that is? And, so the side airbags should last much longer... is that what you are telling me?

 

They say to replace the air bags and some other parts.Im saying I would not worry about the side impact bags they are not hooked up to electronics.If you feel safer replacing everything go ahead.
If it was me I would wait till there was a fault.When there is a fault the SRS light will come on.Then the air bags will be deactivated anyways.

 

I will take your advice on the side impact bags, but as far as the ABS light, and I think you are saying that I can probably wait for all of them if the light is not on... am I reading you correctly?

 

Yes I would not worry about them till you have a SRS light come on.
The ABS is something diffrent.

 

Sorry, SRS is what i meant. Thanks for the info. You all have been a great help to me, and my first Volvo. I think I'm going to like being a Volvo owner... like the car... like the people!!!

 

Thanks we do what we can to help.