I have a 96 850 and when I start the car in the morning and the SRS light stays on that means there will be no heat and none of the controls for the heater will work my friend thinks it may be the ignition switch but is not sure and ideas thanks freezing in China

Your freind may be right, but so might Klaus. The ignition switch can cause the problems you describe. If the switch does not make contact with all terminals after start, it can illuminate the SRS lamp and prevent accessory operation. The next time it occurs try gently giggling the key in a counter clockwise direction. If the SRS goes out and the fan starts, you have your answer

The SRS and heater controls are not supposed to be related. You have two problems.
If you have access to a code scanner, do it. If not, check the fuses and try sliding the fan speed to max. It just might be that the fan is broken.
You didn't say if the engine temp gauge is in the middle of the range. If that is very low, then you might need a new thermostat.
If it is the ignition switch, try wiggling the key.
Usually, the SRS light can be turned off only by the dealer. Some have had success by pulling the ground off the battery for a few hours, but then you better be sure you know the radio code and write down some of the station presets.

Klaus
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(V♂LV♂s 1975 164, 1995 854T, 1998 V70R)

Klaus,
Strange thing on my S70. I disconnected the battery the other day for some maintenance and needed to reset my radio code but the radio stations programmed in stayed as they were before the battery disconnect. I've never realized this before...
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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.

I have also had the same experience with my
1994 850. I had the battery disconnected for
quite some time in December. When I put it
back in I had to put in the radio code, but
the presets were still programmed.
Strange.

--
1990 240DL - 185K, 1994 850 Wagon - 140K, 1989 Ranger 235K