Help? I just needed a new battery and my mechanic told me my compressor is broken and that my car will soon stop running because of this. Does this make sense?
Also off and on when I start the engine the shift doesn't come out of park and the lights and signal blinkers don't work either. The car will go if I press the shiftlock overdrive switch, but I have discovered that simply turning off and on the engine once or twice fixes the issues. ?

+1 for the ignition switch being a problem. Start the car and if the lights or shifter won't work, then jiggle the key just a little bit and see if the lights come on.

It is not super difficult to remove the plastic cover over the steering wheel and replace the electrical portion of the ignition switch - not the lock.

The AC compressor has nothing to do with the engine running or not. If the compressor bearings are starting to make noise, usually a fault of insufficent PAG oil in the system, then you might want to save up for a replacement compressor.
The AC clutch is a different story. Usually that wears down over the years and needs to be shimmed to keep it working. If the clutch bearings are getting noisy, then simply replace the clutch at an AC shop.
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My name is Klaus and I am a V♂lv♂holic

Klaus, I've read many of your posts--you must be a real expert, and I thank you for your interest and for clearing this up for me. My dashboard including the odometer stopped functioning at 109,241 miles and I am probably pushing 300K by now. Once in a while the gas gage comes back on, but never the odometer.I'm tired of putting so much $ into this old car. Should I really just get rid of the car when the compressor finally needs replacement? Also, I of course will want another pre-owned volvo--which model do you think is best? Thank you so much for your opinions!

You could either find a used ignition switch in a junk yard or buy one through the internet. They don't cost an arm or a leg, and they do wear out over the years.

The odometer gear does break, known problem, and is a relatively easy fix after taking the instrument cluster out. I bought a new gear online for $10 - I also have a 1996 854.

A really good mechanic with a Volvo scanner can tell you the actual mileage. It is stored electrically in the instrument panel memory.

But, first let us know if the problem is the ignition switch. Putting heavy objects on the key ring don't help things any :>)

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My name is Klaus and I am a V♂lv♂holic

Thanks ! I jiggled the key and everything worked! Lights, shift, blinkers..And no, I don't have a 10 pound key ring.!.If I have to replace the compressor is it really worth it? How long will my old car last? I feel like I'm having to decide whether to put it to rest soon, and waiting for the next problem..

This is just an example of the part that needs replacing:

http://www.fcpeuro.com/products/volvo-ignition-switch-850-940-960-760-9447803

There are 4 Torx screws under the steering column cover that need to be removed. The screws are 2 different sizes and hard to get to. Once the cover is off, it is a piece of cake to repl the switch.

If you don't need AC where you live, you could find a new short serpentine belt that drives the power steering and alternator and bypass the compressor.

How long will a Volvo last? As long as you take care of it. There are some here on the Brickboard that have over 500K miles on their 850.

Yes, there will always be a 'problem' lurking, but that is why there is a Brickboard. If you want to get a replacement for the 850, you will need to save your pennies for something newer than 2003. That is still 10 years old!

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My name is Klaus and I am a V♂lv♂holic

Thanks Klaus.i I feel so much more informed and secure now..I see on that parts site a compressor for around $200. The mechanic wants $900 for the job.
I guess I should look for a new mechanic who knows as much as you do.I live in Northern Jersey and A/C is a must!
500K on an 850?! Wow. thanks for that great news.

That repair is likely documented to some extent over at "Matthew's Volvo Site" or MVS for short.


Here's the instructions for a V70 - which is the slightly upgraded version of the 850 Wagon. Should be the same process.

http://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=34472


Whatever you do, DO NOT switch the whole ignition switch. I own x2 of the P80 platform cars (1994 850 and a 1998 C70) and both of them had the ignitions switches replaced by the previous owners. Two keys is a PITA. Even worse, the trunk lock on the 850 was replaced too. Two keys is annoying, three keys for one car is insane.

I'm planning to hit a junkyard car and grab the whole set.

http://www.ipdusa.com/products/5749/112425-ignition-electrical-switch

Look down the page a bit and click on Product Related Files & Downloads
This will give you a PDF format with pictures. The 850 has 4 screws that hold on the plastic cover, 2 of which are very deep in the plastic and hard to get to. Once the screws are out, 10 minutes later you will be in business.

Remember, if you let the switch get worse over time, your key will just go round and round with nothing happening - totally stuck in the parking lot.

Tasca Volvo has a new one for $47 + shipping:

http://www.tascaparts.com/parts/1996/VOLVO/850/GLT/index.cfm?searchText=9447803&siteid=213668&year=1996&make=VOLVO&model=850&submodel=GLT&vehicleid=1433981
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My name is Klaus and I am a V♂lv♂holic

Klaus ans Jack..I guess you are both telling me I HAve to replce the ignition switch. I'm starting to get the lingo' around here! OK so the mechnic wants $185. Does that sound like a ripoff? he says it will take 2hours. Thanks

I am not a 'mechanic' and can replace it in less than 1 hour, closer to 30 minutes with a cup of coffee in one hand! You need to replace only the electrical part of the switch, not the key lock assembly.

The only hard part is taking out the 2 deep well screws on the bottom side of the plastic surround on the steering wheel. The other 2 screws are real easy to reach and remove.

Call another Volvo mechanic. Call a dealer and see what they charge. Remember, it is not the key portion of the lock which does take time and is relatively expensive.

If you had some Torx screwdrivers, you could easily do it yourself. If Volvo wouldn't have recessed the 2 T-15 screws 5 inches deep, I would suggest doing it yourself and save $100 of 'labor'. BTW, the easy to reach screws are T-20s.

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My name is Klaus and I am a V♂lv♂holic

It sounds like `a flaky ignition switch to me. An easy repair.

The compressor story doesn't make sense here. I'd find a new mechanic.

Good luck, Bill