i think mine is bad.some times it comes on, and with no pattern at all. i'll have the barake on, and the left blinker on, and it'll br flashing with the blinker. it used to come on with the reverse lights and brake at the same time, so i replaced all the bulbs in the rear, and it still did it.
this happens only once in a while, and everytime sensor light has come on, all the lights were working.

i was thinking of replacing the sensor, since all the bulbs have been replaced, and the grounds look fine

where is the sensor located?

I'm not certain that this applies to all 900 series Volvos ( don't know see a reference to a model), but on my 97 V90 there are two bulb sensors, not surprisingly, one for the front and one for the back. Since the sensor works on amp balance, you can verify it's the sensor by removing both rear lights or front and seeing how that affects the warning light. If it's a wagon and the rear sesor is out, it will take some digging.
--
John Shatzer, '97 V90 @ 105K

Unless they changed the layout it will be in the relay tray behind the ashtray in the center dash. Have you priced one? You may want to consider resoldering yours or swapping in a good used one as opposed to purchasing new- especially since you are not sure it is at fault.

Randy

Can I completely deactivate the sensor or light somehow without having to pull out the instrument panel? I have installed E-code headlamps with relays and now my car thinks my headlights are out all the time. Its really anoying. I would notice if one of my headlights was out.
Thanks
Justin
94 965

If you decide to remove the bulb you might be able to reach it by removing the panels under the steering column. If you do not know how to do that you can go to www.installdr.com and search for the 740 install instructions. Since the panels have to come off in that exercise you can use those instructions to expose the rear of the instrument panel.

Randy

Dear 9,

May this find you well. The bulb failure relay is easy to find. As Randy said, it is on the relay block. This relay is red-orange and round. All other relays are square or rectangular.

To access the relays:
(a) Set the emergency brake
(b) Move the shift lever as far to the rear as it will go
(c) Remove the ashtray, by lifting up on the bar at the bottom (this exposes the fuses; the relays are behind them)
(d) Remove the plastic bezel around the lighter, by prying gently from the right side
(e) Remove the two Phillips-head screws that hold the lighter
(f) Gently lift out the storage tray with the lighter attached
(g) Remove the wires that supply power to the lighter, and you can access the relays.

Go to a salvage yard that keeps Volvos on hand, to get a replacement relay. They should be able to tell you if they have a 940 on hand. They won't charge you much for a relay, especially if you're willing to get it yourself. In that event, consider taking an overdrive relay (white, rectangular, usually marked Volvo 3523804) as these, too, fail over time.

If you install the bulb warning relay while you're at the salvage yard, you'll find out then and there if it is good or not. If the warning light does not come on, it's good.

Re-soldering can be done, if there no salvage yards nearby, or if money's tight.

All the best for a Good and Healthy 2004.

Yours,

spook

dooooh!
i was at a junker today looking for a front grille and a leather interior. guy says he gets like 2-3 940/960's a week. also, is funny you mention the overdrive relay, spook. is that the litttle orange arrow that shows up on the dash as well...i think it does not allow the trans to shift in to 4th gear once engauged, or brings it back down from 4th to 3rd if engauged while in 4th?
well, anyway, that light also comes on from time to time, but after driving for, at most, 2 minutes, it turns off. i didnt even think that when those warning lights came on it was a relay issue. and the srs light comes on too, from time to time. should i try also try a relay for that???

thank you for all the help!!!

ps: i guess im gonna need a overdrive, bulb warning, and srs relay

Dear 9,

Good a.m. The overdrive indicator (the arrow pointing up), in the row of "idiot lights" at the bottom of the instrument cluster, should not come on at all, unless you engage it by pressing the button on the shift lever. If the light comes on "by itself", the relay is failing and should be replaced.

If the "SRS" light is lit, take it to an indy or dealer Volvo MasterTech. The light indicates an abnormal condition. I do not recall if the On Board Diagnostics (OBD) cover this system (see the FAQs). If they do, then you'll know what's wrong. If not, the MasterTech should be able to tell you. This should not be neglected. I do not recall that there is an SRS relay. The SRS sensor is beneath the driver's seat.

If you want to do any work on the SRS system, I'd recommend you get the Volvo Factory Service Manual. To err on the side of caution, always disconnect the negative battery cable (and isolate it in a plastic bag) before removing the driver's seat or working on the SRS system. Jostling or thumping the SRS sensor can trigger the airbag. Replacing the airbag unit can be very costly.

It would be nice to know why the SRS is lit. Post back, if you can.

Yours,

spook

well, i am going to get the relays today for the o.d. and the bulb warning sys.
i will get the bag looked at next week, and i wwill post back with the result. i am very afraid of how much it may gonna cost.
i guess we'll see.