I own a '94 850. Does anyone know where I can purchase a heater element for my heated seat? If so how difficult is ti to replace? Any sites that may explain the process?

G, Do a little problem solving before tearing apart your seat (because it's a real pain). Start with the pad connenctor at the front underside of the seat. Perform a continuity check with an ohm metre. This will tell you if the heater pad is fried or not. This is most likely the problem. I had to replace mine a few months ago --- save your fingers, it would be wise to invest in a pair of hog-ring pliers and about 30 new hog-rings. I bought a used pad for $20 from a '95 850.
Next try the thermocouples: If your driver side heated seat is not working, swap the passenger side thermocouple with the drivers side and test the passenger side seat for heat. The thermocouples are located right under the main seat cushion and can be accessed from the underside by pulling it out with some careful manipulation. The thermocouple is simply a plastic/metal disc with a wire lead.
Also try the switch itself. Swap the pass. side with the drivers side by removing the poke-yoke ribs with a knife. Or use an ohm metre.
Good luck.
B$

Oh yeah ... remove the seat to replace the heating element --- much, much easier. Beside you can clean-out all the crumbs and change under the seat that way.
B$

Gir--check Volvo Houston, 1-800-468-0041 for a replacement element. There are two elements for each seat--the seat and back rest. Check to make sure both are burned out. If it's just one and you plan on keeping the car, you might want to change out both. I know a lot of people on the Board recommend Groton for parts, but I've found them more expensive than Houston. Change the element(s) yourself. It' worth the savings and the experience. There was a recall on the heating elements some time ago. Some got too hot if the switch was on and nobody was sitting in the seat. I had the recall done on both my 97 wagons. All they did was put in a different thermostat that wouldn't let the seat element overhead and cause a fire, which it did in a few cases before the recall. I don't know if the recall extends back to 94 or how long after they sent out notices, that Volvo will continue to honor it.

Be sure and disconnect the battery before you remove the seat. If you don't, when you disconnect the wiring, the SRS bag in the side of the seat will kick a code to the computer. Plus, it's never wise to do almost anything on that car, particularly involving the SRS bags, to not disconnect the battery beforehand and wait a few minutes for any capacitors to discharge. Even with the key off, there are a number of circuits that are still hot, waiting for you to screw up, cause a short and compound your problem. Dick

Thanks for the advice, Dick. I'll check out Houston. Any idea where I can chewck and see if the recall pertained to '94 vehicles?
George

Gir,
The heating element in the seats is a real weird set up. I thought my passenger seat was burnt out last year only to find out that the wire to the harness which fits into the element was pulled out. It is a real pain to work under the seats since they are set so close to the floor pan. Does your heat indicator illuminate when you turn the seat heater on? If not it could be as simple as the fuse. Replacing the heat element in the seat requires removal of the seat and upholstery itself. If it is fauly wiring you may want to defer the repair to a professional, (depending on your confidence to fix it yourself) as you could run the risk of torching your car. The wiring supplying the element runs from a connector to a plastic disc with a metal contact (looks like a heart monitor suction disc) and this supplies power to the heating pad from abount the centre of the bottom of the seat. The only way to access the wiring is from the rear of the seat (passenger footwell), and the disc comes straight out with a downward pull.
Have fun - I hope you have small hands...
Armie

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Imagine all the people...

Thanks for the response Armie. Yes the heat indicator illuminates when I turn the seat heater on. Since this is the case you don't think it's an easy fix...do you? I got an estimate from my mechanic and the he says it needs a new heater element ($59.42). It would take 3 hrs of labor which would cost $214.50. I was hoping to save the labor fee and do it myself. I'm handy with cars but I'm having trouble locating the part and then there's the issue of access. Plus if I tackle it I'd like some procedures on how do replace it. Haven't come across these either. Please advise.

Several of these burned out due to "high heat" and there was a recall, so check with your dealer...they might be a free fix.
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1998 S70 T5 Emarald Green Metallic, 2004 V70 2.5T Ruby Red, Previous Owner of Black '94 850 Turbo Wagon. My cars have been running so well lately they've got me worried.