Hi All,

I have a power seat on a 1996 960 that is dead to the world. No clicks no nothing on any of the switches. I am testing the wires at the circuit board and the only one that is showing any signs of life is the red one. As soon as I get my camera working I can show you a picture but for now I will do my best to describe the wire bundles.

From left to right as I flip over the board I have 3 bundles.

Bundle 1: Black - Red - Orange
Bundle 2: Yellow - Purple - White - Green - Blue - Brown
Bundle 3: Yellow - Green

Is there any kind of testing that I can do to find out why the 12 volts on the red wire seems to be going nowhere? I do not want to jump any wires until I know what they are and I do not have a schematic as of yet. Which brings up another question. Is there a ground wire somewhere off the circuit board that I should check?

Thanks very much,
Jim Lee

I could be way off base here...but my '92 960 has a RED button on the FRONT of the switch panel on the side of the seat. This switch disables the positioning switches. Make sure it is "out". Good luck and please post your results.

--
'01 V70 Wagon, 168K miles...'92 960 Wagon, 196K miles...'92 740 Turbo Wagon, 225K miles (sold)

Dear Jim Lee,

Hope this find you well. The heavy-duty Black wire is the ground for the seat motors. The Red wire is the positive wire, which supplies power to the seat motors. Those in bundle two are seat control wires. If memory serves, the yellow and green are for the seat belt reminder chime.

I believe there is in the seat-side switch, a relay, at the point where the power supply wires enter the seat-side switch circuit board. If that relay fails, then no power reaches the switches.

The relay is a protective device. Power flows to the seats, even when the key is not in the ignition. As a power spike, e.g., on start-up, could damage the seat computer, the relay acts as a safety device. Normally, it is closed, and power flows through the relay to the seat switch, and thence to the seat computer. If, however, the relay has failed, then the seat switch is "dead".

Hope this helps.

Yours faithfully,

Spook

Thanks much Spook.

I have to ask the obvious question. Is there any to be an outlaw and bypass this relay? Also, I am looking at a power seat schematic in my Mitchell1 online deal and I am unable to see the relay. I will see if I can figure out how to send you the schematic. Is it possible to see the relay physically? If I found another board would I be able to move just the relay?

Thanks very much,
Jim Lee

Dear Jim Lee,

Hope this find you well. The relay is on the circuit board, inside the switch. Most schematics - including those in the Volvo wiring diagrams - do not diagram the internals of components, as a failed component is supposed to be replaced, not repaired. The relay is black/very dark brown. It is about 3/4" long, 1/2" wide, and about 3/8" tall. There is no other component like it on the board.

I'd guess that one could bypass the relay, by removing it, and soldering wires to connect the circuits, that the relay controls. Doing that, though, could put at risk the seat motors, as they would have no protection against a power surge.

Hope this helps.

Yours faithfully,

Spook

Paydirt! Found a 1995 960 at my semi-local pick 'n pull and got the passenger side power seat unit with switches and actually was able to get two of the wire bundles pulled out at the plugs. The power and ground I had to cut. Reconnected on my passenger seat and we have lift off!

I am continuing my lucky streak by finding a 960 of the same era at my local salvage establishment with the same color interior. Picked up some very valuable interior cosmetic items. Now I have two working power seats instead of two lazy boy recliners. Many thanks to all, especially Spook.

Now...into the breach with the AC situation.
This should be real fun.

Jim Lee
1996 960 wagon