'95 850GLT Ignition switch question

Discussion in 'Volvo 850' started by blurp, Aug 16, 2006.

  1. blurp

    blurp Guest

    Hi all,

    I've managed to finally figure out that several of the anomalous
    problems I've had are related to the ignition switch. If I jiggle the
    key a bit after I start the car the the turn signals work, the daytime
    running lights come on, the ABS light goes out, and shift lock comes
    off.

    In my mind it seems the answer is to replace the ignition switch and
    that means dealing with the dealer and getting new keys... please tell
    me I'm wrong!

    If this is the sort of thing that might be reparable I'll pull the
    steering column apart and have a look. It just seems some of the conn
    tion points are either worn or slightly out of alignment.

    Any suggestions or experiences warmly welcomed.

    Thanks in advance,
    blurp
     
    blurp, Aug 16, 2006
    #1
    dlduke likes this.
  2. blurp

    c.fiedler Guest

    The problem you have is not with the lock, it's with the switch. The
    lock is the part activated by the key. The switch is the part
    activated by the lock. I think you WILL have to deal with the dealer
    since nobody else will likely carry a Volvo-specific electronic part.

    Were this *my* problem, I would certainly contact the dealer and find
    out what's involved.

    Chuck Fiedler
    Nothing but Volvo since 1974
     
    c.fiedler, Aug 16, 2006
    #2
  3. I got my replacement ignition switch from one of the mail-order (internet)
    Volvo parts places for about $40. It was an easy fix: take the plastic
    shroud off the steering column, pull the connector off the switch, replace
    it, and put the shroud back together. All told, it took about 30 minutes
    and no, it didn't require any new keys or dealer interaction.

    Afterwards all the weird electrical problems were fixed.
     
    Robert Lutwak, Aug 17, 2006
    #3
  4. Electric Part. Switches are not electronic unless they "operate with
    the aid of many small components, esp. microchips and transistors, that
    control and direct an electric current".

    Excuse my anal comment, but I worked in the electronics industry
    designing electronic components for 27 years and I found an opportunity
    for a mini-lesson.
     
    Stephen Henning, Aug 17, 2006
    #4
  5. blurp

    John Horner Guest


    "Electric Part." is not a complete sentence :).

    John
     
    John Horner, Aug 17, 2006
    #5
  6. blurp

    blurp Guest

    Well the local jobbers want $135 for the part and I cringe at what the
    dealer must want. Where did you order the part? I can't find it on
    FCPGroton and RockAuto's shipping is $50 alone.

    Thanks,
    Boris
     
    blurp, Aug 17, 2006
    #6
  7. Robert Lutwak, Aug 17, 2006
    #7
  8. blurp

    blurp Guest

    Thanks Robert, but it ends up the same as Rockauto... they only ship
    UPS and UPS charges a $50 brokerage fee at the border (I'm in Canada).

    I'll keep looking for a Canadian parts supplier or one that doesn't
    ship UPS.

    Thanks!
    blurp
     
    blurp, Aug 18, 2006
    #8
  9. blurp

    John Horner Guest

    Indeed, UPS is a rip off for this sort of thing. If using a US company
    you want to find one who will ship via the postal mail. For small
    things the post office is much cheaper and easier to use than is UPS.

    I think I might have a solution for you! autohausaz.com. They show the
    OE Volvo ignition switch at US$62.32. I've bought from them several
    times and found this on their website:
    Alternately, have you tried calling IPD to ask if they will do so?
    800-444-6473 or 503-257-7500. Considering they are in Oregon then
    perhaps they are accustomed to doing business into Canada.
     
    John Horner, Aug 18, 2006
    #9
  10. blurp

    blurp Guest

    Thaniks John, I'll give them a try and add them to my links list!

    Cheers,
    blurp
     
    blurp, Aug 18, 2006
    #10
  11. blurp

    dlduke

    Joined:
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    Yesterday I tried to get an idea as to why I have no turn signals. This post was about 1 in five of the possible solutions I would try today (Saturday 02 MAR 2019). While I was scoping out how to remove the wiring on the end of the ignition switch, and seeing that it was going to be a bear to find the plug at the end of the wires, [ I had a parts car close by which had not ever given me a problem related to turn signals]. It came to me to try your idea to jiggle the key. I had already checked fuses and replaced the emergency flasher module, so the possibilities were narrowing. I turned the ignition to "on" but not "start"; turn signals worked great as usual; just not while the engine was running. So after starting it I moved the key just a little and to my surprise, the turn signals came on. Many thanks to "blurp". You made my day! That's a Volvo quirk I can live with.... A little history on the Volvo: '97 850 station wagon; Bought it about two months ago; paid $500 for it; Decent body; interior kind of trashed; dry rotted tires; Radiator leak; glitter in the coolant; The A/C compressor howled like gravel on steel; Fixed that problem with a used compressor from Pull-A-Part. After cutting out the A/C lines that were in the way, I removed the old one and put in the replacement from under the car. What a job! Also replaced the water pump, belt tensioner, and serpentine belt. Still has a way to go but the transmission and engine seem to be in good condition.
     
    dlduke, Mar 3, 2019
    #11
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