The power window switch for the driver window failed last night. Window goes down but not up. Unfortunately, found out the latter after the former. I think the switch is broken. I'd like to check, but I don't know how to get switch panel out of the door armrest.

How do I get the switch panel that holds all four switches out of the door to check the switches? Can I get just one switch out at a time?

Thanks,

Tom Curtis

'98 V70 (62K)

'87 240DL (270K)

I have an XC and had same problem w/ two window switches. Dealer had told me there was a bad batch out there. This was back in 2000. They were replaced under warranty.

Tom, as Glen pointed out, you can pull the switch right out. It seems it is only held by friction in there. But, contrary to what you may hear, the switch IS serviceable. If you are out of warranty and are looking and over $100 replacement cost, try CAREFULLY opening up the unit once you have it out of the door (it does open). I had a problem with right rear window doing exactly what you describe: down ok, up no go. At least I could raise the rear window using its own switch in the rear door. Anyway, I opened the maser switch up and worked the contacts a little. I expected to see some carbon from sparking, but saw nothing of the sort. In fact I saw nothing that would prevent the switch from working. So, I put it back together and, alas, it has started to work again and hasn't failed ever since. Go figure. The job is very delicate, though and if you are under warranty, have the dealer take care of it, otherwise, give it a whirl.

Good luck.

Had the same problem yesterday. Nice day, put it down, won't go up. Played with the Lock/Unlock switch and finally got the window to go back up using the switch on that back right door.

Do you guys feel there is any chance that Volvo might do a recall on this wiring problem? (ie. like the headlight) Anything we can do to motivate them? (ie. Email campaign?)

Thanks.

Mark, it is NOT a wiring problem. It is a master-switch problem. I am not sure if there was a bad batch of these, since not very many x70 folks complain about them and mostly it seems MY98 cars that exhibit the problem. If your car is under warranty, get a new master-switch and most likely the problem will be solved for good. I actually took my master switch apaprt and after not seeing anything wrong inside there put it back together thinking that I will have to go to the dealer, but ever since I opened the switch, worked the contacts, looked at its innards and put it back together, it has worked like a charm. Maybe there was some slight assembly problem with the actual switch part and openning it up and reassembling it solved the problem. I do not know, but it's been way over a year and the thing is working perfectly still (knock on wood).

Good Luck

The assembly comes out by carefully prying it up with a pocket screwdriver but it's not serviceable, only replaced as an assembly. Its failure, usually only one switch too, is a common occurance on '98s especially. Your dealer probably stocks them.

You could try spraying contact cleaner or WD-40 into it from the top, working the switch, but I doubt it'll help.

While he has the switch out, can he at least short the terminals to get the window up? Winter is coming...

- Tom E

Yep, that will work.

Thanks to all for the replies. Given the car is in reasonable shape, i choose not to break more pieces during what would most likely be a clumsy removal. I left it for the dealer to do under warranty. Just so happened Monday morning was in the 20's - coldest morning this winter so far. My wife drove it the 30 miles to the dealer where they replaced the unit.

Thanks to all for the help. Your fast and accurate responses say alot about brickboard!

Regards,

Tom Curtis

Just bought a used S70 for the wife and I noticed in the service printout from the dealer that the "window switch package" was replaced at the 46,000 km service. Must have been a bad first issue.