My '95 850 non-turbo wgn starts up OK but on occaison, the ABS light stays on, the gear lock solenoid will not unlock the gear selector and the headlights will not illuminate. Is there any component/relay/connection that is common to all three that could be causing a problem?? I might guess the ignition switch, but the car always starts and runs fine - and this problem is only intermittant. Thanks.

97 850 NON TURBO AUTO.GEAR SHIFT LOCK SOMETIMES DOES NOT RELEASE.STUCK IN PARK. ANY IDEAS?

Hey, I freaked when this happened to my car. I somehow figured it was the key position. I will check the thread on volvospeed for the repair. Good luck.

Please refer to the following post -

http://www.volvospeed.com/Repair/ignit_switch.php

Where do you guys find this stuff - Great help - Thanks a lot!!.....jake

jakefac25:

There is remote chance it could be the voltage regulator. Just last week I was researching this forum since mine went bad. Someone mentioned that a voltage regulator fault, especially the type that increases the battery voltage to over 14.5 volts, can cause these and other random problems in the electrical and computer systems. So check your battery voltage with the engine at around 1500-2000rpm. If it is higher than it should be, it is time to replace the regulator. Mine was reading 19.8! and it ended up boiling out the electrolyte of the battery. I am awaiting a replacement part. good luck.

yt855
1994 v855 5spd na @110k miles

Not sure if there're related but contact Victor Rocha about your ABS problem light b4 you shell out mega bucks to have the ABS computer replaced at the dealer. He'll rebuild and upgrade it for about $140. Also, when you remove the ABS fuse, the speedometer will be inop and the headlights also on some 850's. He can tell you. Failure of the ABS unit on 850's is about 100%

bl

You rookies. Put an ignition contact plate into it and be done with it.

Mark

Thanks for your responses. When I get my hands on a meter, i'll check the battery voltage. What is an ignition contact plate and where do you replace it? Be kind to me, I am a bit of a rookie when it comes to computerized cars. Thanks....jake

Rule308 was refering to the ignition switch plate behind the steering wheel cover. If this is the problem, it can be diagnosed easily: just wiggle the key a little bit and see if the ABS light goes out and you are able to shift from park.
No computers are involved and your voltage has nothing to do with your problems.

Klaus
--
(V♂LV♂s 1975 164, 1995 854T, 1998 V70R)

Thanks, Klaus. Another poster on a different forum had suggested to wiggle the key - so tha's where we'll head - I'll report how it turned out - and thanks again to all for the replies.....jake