Hello All,

This is a follow up to a recent inquiry. Before I go further, I want to thank Klaus for his suggestions to my initial inquiry. They were correct. As stated above, my 1996 850 has simultaneously has developed the following problems:

1) The side view mirrors work intermittently. I checked the fuse and it was fine. There was no corrossion visable, but I will turn it around as suggested by Klaus.

2) The lights in in front seat warmer switchs come on intermittently. They are both off at the same time, and come back on at the same time. However, even when the lights are not on, the seats still warm up. Again, I checked the fuse and it was fine. However, I will switch it around to make sure there is a good contact.

3)The single bulb that is located in the back of the center console between the driver and front passenger seats that provides light to the floor where the rear passengers are seated again works intermittently. This signle light bulb is supposed to come on as soon as you turn on the headlights. I've checked the fuse and have check the bulb, and both are good.

I was able to obtain a new head light switch and installed it. The same problems continued to related to the 3 items listed above, which confirmed Klaus's diagnosis that the head light switch was unrelated. Fortunately, I was able to return this switch for a full credit. I'll followed up with Klaus's suggestions (giggle the ignition key) but I would welcome any other suggestions. By the way, if nothing else is dicovered as a the cause for the problem, does it appear that I'll have to replace the center control console that contains all the control switches for the side view mirrors and individual door windows?

Another problem related to the side view mirror on the driver's side is that it doesn't seem to be working when I press the "defrost" button located on the dashboard. I noticed a few days ago one morning when side view mirrow was covered with frost, that when I started the engine, and pushed the "defrost" button, the frost did not start to melt from the side view mirrow at all. I had to use an ice scraper to remove it. The side view mirror on the passenger side did seem to work though. I confirmed this lack of response for the driver's side view mirrow, because I had parked right next to my 1996 850 my 1999 XC which has the same type of side view mirrors and defrost button. The '99 XC's side view mirrors were frosted, but as soon as I pushed the "defrost" button, the frost melted. Other than this "car to car" comparision, is there any ony way to confirm the side view mirrow on the driver's side of my 1996 850 is broken in terms of its ability to defrost? There is no crack in this side view mirror. Thanks to all who respond.

Hugh