I have just discovered this forum and not a minute too soon. I am a life long Volvo owner...learned to drive a 164, then the 240 series, an incredible 740 Turbo wagon and now a recently purchased 850 GLT wagon with 57,000 miles. It is the 850 that is causing me great concern and anxiety. I purchased this car from a Volvo dealer a month ago. Of course, I had the car checked out by an independent and it passed with flying colors. After two weeks of ownership, I found that the dash lights came on (or remained on) after turning off the car. In other words, when I went out in the morning, the dash lights would be on ...almost as if the key was in the ignition, when in fact the car has been turned off and locked up overnight. After many days of this, predictably the battery died and I had AAA jump start the car and I drove it back to the dealership. Initially they told me that they had solved the problem.They told me that the front light switch was shorted and they replaced the switch and I should be on my merry way. That night I drove the car home, turned it off, and indeed, when I came out the following morning, the dash lights were still on. I returned it to the dealership again and now four days later, they still have not uncovered the problem. I am due to pay the first payment in a week and I am very worried that this car has major problems.
I am such a diehard Volvo owner that the thought of another car is downright heresy! I enjoy this car and find it safe in the snow and comfortable to drive. I atill gaze longingly at a 940 when I see one and wonder if I did not make a big mistake.
While I am at it, I may as well say that in addition to the above, the dashboard creaks annoyingly. Has anyone heard of that? How can I remedy that if indeed the electrical is "fixed". Any input and advice would be welcomed. Thanks