Headlights non-functioning. Sidelights/ running lights work; flashers work; turn signals work. Only headlight activity is when I hit the high-low trigger switch--get just a flash of the high beams unless I hold down the switch, in which case I get high beams as long as the switch is held down.
Swapped the 50-amp fuses around in the main fuse box--no effect.
Swapped in a light control relay from a '97 850--no effect.
Thinking next suspect may be the dash switch itself: could use instructions on how to remove switch, and how to test. I have a multimeter, if that would be useful, and wiring diagrams.
Could also use suggestions as to where to look next if the switch checks out ok.
Thanks, all.
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We have met the enemy and they is us. [Pogo] S70 T5 cop car : Rough Rider suspension, Walmart fog lights, eBay speakers, ambiance by Pall Mall, trim by Le Duc d'Tape, 8-channel THD by OEM amps

Working real hard to restrain language here.
Volvo NA says that the headlight switch recall and the throttle recall were done in Michigan in June 2006 and they reimbursed the dealer. Interesting, since I last was in Michigan in 1959, and the car hasn't been to Michigan since I bought it in '01. Their basic position seems to be that the dealer records are conclusive absent instructions from a burning bush, but they will look into it and advise. In the meantime, I have the privilege of doing whatever becomes necessary at my own expense and attending prayer sessions at the religious institution of my choice re the prospect of a refund. Am waiting to hear back from Volvo NA; in meantime, will order the switch from the faithful parts guy and fervently hope that the throttle assembly ( last replaced at the Volvo dealer in '04 after a 100+ mile trip on a flatbed, all at my expense) holds up until another recall or the last trump, whichever comes first.
Of course, the '92 Benz 190E I sold when I got the S70 is still running great, with no mechanical problems at all. The '88 245 I gave away a couple of years ago is also running great with absolutely no problems. Wonder if I can find the guy who bought my '40 Packard and get it back, since it's likewise still in mint condition mechanically....Turn on the way-back machine, here I come!
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We have met the enemy and they is us. [Pogo] S70 T5 cop car : Rough Rider suspension, Walmart fog lights, eBay speakers, ambiance by Pall Mall, trim by Le Duc d'Tape, 8-channel THD by OEM amps

Follow-up: just found all the posts on the headlight switch recall--I sure never got any notice from Volvo about it. Any suggestions on where to get the improved switch other than from the dealer? I'm 100 miles from the dealer, and the overnight postage will probably run about as much as the dealer price on the part, so I might as well look for it elsewhere if there's another known good source.
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We have met the enemy and they is us. [Pogo] S70 T5 cop car : Rough Rider suspension, Walmart fog lights, eBay speakers, ambiance by Pall Mall, trim by Le Duc d'Tape, 8-channel THD by OEM amps

The last time my light switch was out of the dash, I pulled the dimmer next to it first, then reached a finger in to push the light switch out from the rear.

Give the dealer parts guys a call and ask them if there is a new part number for the new and improved switch. Then call the auto supply houses and ask for the part number. OR, get the part from Bortonvolvo.com or Houston Volvo, they give discounts to email orders and the part is genuine Volvo with a Dealer receipt - for sending to Volvo HQ.

While inspecting the old switch, verify the part number and all of the writing on the back. The Volvo parts guy may be able to tell you if that one has been recalled or not.

Klaus
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1995 854T and 1998 V70R

Got the switch yesterday via overnight (for those of you who haven't dealt with him, Richard Mullins in the parts dept at Brentwood Volvo is super. I've dealt with him for many years, and he has never failed me).
Predictably, the old switch discorporated in my hand during the removal process; I've saved the parts for possible refund (And if no refund, as a surprise to the service manager's proctologist).
Query: Now I have DRLs, which I don't particularly want. There's a small round plastic screwhead visible in the lower right quadrant of the switchplate--is that what's used to no-op the DRLS? Didn't have the presence of mind to note the NEW part number, so don't know whether they sent me Canadian or US switch (this was a Canadian squad car originally).
Your suggestion for no-op of the DRLs would be appreciated. Thanks
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We have met the enemy and they is us. [Pogo] S70 T5 cop car : Rough Rider suspension, Walmart fog lights, eBay speakers, ambiance by Pall Mall, trim by Le Duc d'Tape, 8-channel THD by OEM amps

With a small screwdriver or nail file, push the slotted screw head in and turn to 11 o'clock - no more DRLs. That is the American version you have.

Poor Volvo supervisor :)

Klaus
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1995 854T and 1998 V70R

Thanks, Klaus!
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We have met the enemy and they is us. [Pogo] S70 T5 cop car : Rough Rider suspension, Walmart fog lights, eBay speakers, ambiance by Pall Mall, trim by Le Duc d'Tape, 8-channel THD by OEM amps

Thanks, Klaus.
New switch en route. I won't be surprised if I wind up eating this one--see post re lovefest with Volvo NA. Meantime, will keep fighting them re attribution of the throttle recall as well, while I think seriously about permanently switching car brands.
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We have met the enemy and they is us. [Pogo] S70 T5 cop car : Rough Rider suspension, Walmart fog lights, eBay speakers, ambiance by Pall Mall, trim by Le Duc d'Tape, 8-channel THD by OEM amps

Wow, I went to a guys house to pick up a roof top carrier. His wife traded in an XC for a new BMW525. THAT is a NICE car!!! They get 32mpg on the interstates and have no problems with the AC :) Makes me wonder why I nickle and dime myself with this 1998.

Klaus
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1995 854T and 1998 V70R

"$1 and $5". (BMW)

Do you really think a 10 year old Bimmer will be any better? Except for the parts being more expensive.

Buying the light switch is probably cheaper than the time wasted driving to the Volvo dealer, arguing, and driving back home.

Great minds must think alike. I'm probably buying a 328iT 6-speed. I was also thinking about a 535XiT, also a 6-speed, except thought of that much money slowly rusting away in the driveway makes me cry! I have 4 nearly new Michelin X-Ice tires, so the Volvo stays as my "winter schleppwagen". I don't think it will make it to 200k at least not in my hands.

-BTC

'98 V70 T5 5-speed, 172k mi, heated velour cloth comfy chairs, factory HD suspension, Bilstein HD, front IPD stabilizer bar, Volvo strut tower brace and skidplate, XC grill, C70 jewel E-Codes, V-1, Lidatek, more IPD stuph, Mobil-1 since new.


"JB Weld, Duck Tape and Zip-Ties -- the Volvo owner's friends!"

Nickel and dime = $5 and $10.

I would never have a 10 year old BMW or Mercedes. My Volvo's cost is 1/10th their upkeep. But a NEW one, wow. But I love to daydream...

Klaus
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1995 854T and 1998 V70R

There is a poster on the VW GTI board who said he's leasing a 2006 GTI for $807.49/month! (That's in US, not Canadian dollars!) I have yet to come across anyone who's spent near $800/month maintaining an older Volvo.

Most of the posters on the BMW boards also seem to lease. Many seem to be college students or have part-time jobs.

The "American Dream". Amazing!

-BTC


'98 V70 T5 5-speed, 172k mi, heated velour cloth comfy chairs, factory HD suspension, Bilstein HD, front IPD stabilizer bar, Volvo strut tower brace and skidplate, XC grill, C70 jewel E-Codes, V-1, Lidatek, IPD stuph, Mobil-1 since new.

Most of them are leasing because they are driving cars that are more expensive then their income or financial status would let them own under traditional (pre-1990s?) accounting or loan practices. It's an expensive way for poseurs or status-seekers to drive a fancy car. Dealers love it. Car companies love it. Financial organizations love it. Shouldn't that be enough warning that leasing is really dumb for most drivers?