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Installing trip computer question 850 1994

I am fixing the odometer on my 94 850 GLT this weekend and had a sidebar project I need some help with. I have read the earlier posts about adding a trip computer to a car that came without one. It seems like there may be compatibility issues with some 850 models. I have a 1994 and the switch gear from the trip computer looks more like the rest of the switch gear on the 95-97 models. Is there any issues with the hardness coming from the dash computer switch to the back of a 94? In that I mean I am replacing the original info LCD and using the one that came with the trip computer switch. Do all 850's have the same basic harness to the instrument panel?

Also, my 94 doesn't have a temp gauge (California car without climate package). Is the ambient temp sensor present or not on all 850's? Sounds like a dumb question but here is it so I can check? The Haynes manual makes it sound like it sits up behind the dash, I though it was up under the radiator area. I assume if I don't have one the trip computer would work but the temp would not work until the sensor was installed. Correct?

Thanks.








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    Installing trip computer question 850 1994

    The electrics for the instrument panel should be OK. The computerized modeles have a plug-in at the lower, rear portion of the panel. The other 2 wiring plugs are near the top.

    And, here I thought all Volvo models had a clock and temp on the dash.

    Klaus
    --
    Two great Volvos, a 1967 220 and a 1998 V70R








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      Installing trip computer question 850 1994

      I have two 850's (1995 with temp sensor, 1994 without) so I checked on the one with the temp sensor and it appears to be connected to the pass side front frame inside the bumper between the radiator and fender. Looking up from underneath I can see the lens of the turn signal. It has a harness attached to it.

      When I look at the 1994 without temp sensor I find no harness in that area. I was under the impression all 850's had the sensor and that the LCD display was the difference between cars with and without the temp gauge. So does anyone know what/where the harness connects to to make the temp gauge work on a car previously without the sensor factory installed?

      I'm going to check the Haynes wiring diagram and see if I can find some documentation. Wish me luck. This is the first wiring diagram research I've ever done:)








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        Installing trip computer question 850 1994

        Haynes and online Volvo wiring diagrams say it sits up under the firewall right side. It must be under the black plastic cover up near the windshield and wiper arms.

        So I went out and checked the two 850's and one has a lot of wiring under the cover the other doesn't. Before taking the cowl cover off to check, does anyone know if this is a simple plug in harness or something that can't be done after the car has left the factory? I would like to get the temp gauge since winter is coming and here in Pennsylvania and knowing the temp is huge when it is wet on the road.








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    Installing trip computer question 850 1994

    I can't speak to the harness.

    But the outside air temperature - yes that is up under the front spoiler. I haven't had an 850 for a few years, so I forget exactly. Seems like just left of center looking forward, front of the radiator. It is the only thing in that area.

    My guess is you might find a dummy plug in the harness. If the sensor is open circuit, it either reads ---- or DISC.







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