'95 850GLT Ignition switch question

[blurp]

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

 

[c.fiedler]

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

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

 

[Robert Lutwak]

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.

 

[Stephen Henning]

I think you WILL have to deal with the dealer
since nobody else will likely carry a Volvo-specific electronic part.

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.

 

[John Horner]

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.

"Electric Part." is not a complete sentence .

John

 

[blurp]

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

 

[Robert Lutwak]

Here it is on Eeuroparts.com for $46 (OEM Volvo part):

http://www.eeuroparts.com/productdetail.aspx?searchResults=1&code=6993

I've bought from them several times and been entirely satisfied every time. I think they provide free shipping if you order more than $50.

 

[blurp]

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

 

[John Horner]

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

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:

US Postal Service - International

Through agreements with many destination countries, the US Postal

Service is also able to offer a cost-effective solution for

international shipments.

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.

 

[blurp]

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

Cheers,
blurp

 

[dlduke]

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

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.