Hi there

We are brand new to the world of Volvo about to purchase our first a 1996 850R with 145 000kms on the clock. It goes very well and has a full service record with volvo. The only problem that we have is that the drivers power window switch does not work. I am told that this is a cluster switch that contains all of the window and mirror controls. The dealer wants a good whack for the switch. I want to know if the switch unit is a sealed unit or if it can be opened to see whether the defective switch can perhaps be soldered or some other solution applied.

Can anyone also point out some performance figures? We have the auto tranny.

Hi there

Thanks for the information. We have decided to fit a new switch and get it over and done with. At least then we know it should work for a while yet.

Took mine apart and cleaned and worked for a month before failing again. Found a used one on eBay for $40. Been working great now for a year. Directions to take switch assembly out are found on Bay 13. (www.volvospeed.com)

These switches are all "clusters" in a sense familiar to all those who speak GI English. Be that as it may, it's worth investing in a small spray can of electrical contact cleaner, a box of Q-tips, and a small package of .22 calibre cleaning patches. It's also useful to do your initial disassembly inside a large transparent (e.g. drycleaning) plastic bag, unless you really like stalking small springs, ball bearings, and Jesus clips through the shag carpet.
You might check ebay and the salvage yards for a spare--if the spare works, fine; if not, you can use it to practice on. Please post results for the next guy.
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We have met the enemy and they is us. Pogo '99 S70 cop car : T Roosevelt Rough Rider tires& suspension, Walmart fog/driving lights, speakers by ebay, 2 old Volvo amps cranking out 8x20 W, ambiance by Pall Mall, trim by Le Duc d'Tape

After eight years of operaton on my 1994 850 the driver side window switch failed. Unfortunately its probably the only window you really need to go up and down on a regular basis. My inde told me all the window switchs are on one board and I had to have him do it a quite an expense. Around $150 if I remember, but it might have been more. I'm not to sure the center consul is that easy to get off (I have a manual shift). I've been told this is not an uncommon failure for 850. Along with the ABS moduls, AC evaporators and oil seal leak. Please, please clean your flame trap on a regular basis.

The center console is easy to take out. Are you certain the its the switch and not the window motor. Most likely coffee or some type of drink was spilled onto the switch cluster and is very hard to clean. Alot of people clean it and it works for abit and starts to fail again.