Hello,

I have a 1996 850 GLT Wagon with a 5 speed with a 195,000 on the odometer. Recently, I have simultaneously been plagued by a number of electrical problems and I'm wondering if they are related to a possible defective headlight switch, which may be the original. The symptoms:

1) The side view mirrow control work intermittently. On this model there is a control panel located in the central console between the front seats, just under the emergency hand brake. The rocker switches for the windows all work, and I have check the fuse and it is "OK". Initially, I thought the control panel was starting to fail (Ouch! dealer cost to replace $208!). However, it seemed if I rotated the switch back and forth, turning the lights on and off, the controls for the side view mirrows began to work again. Are the side view mirrows powered by the headlight switch? That doesn't seem to make sense because these switches are used during day light hours when the head light switch is off. Any comments?

2) Both the lights that go on when you turn on the front seat warmers and the courtesy light located in the rear of the back of the console that provides light to rear passengers seat stopped working again intermittently. I noticed however, if I started to turn the headlight switch on and off rapidly, these lights began to work. Poor contact in the headlight switch? This problem seems more closely related to the headlight switch, but I would appreciate anyone's comments. I believe this is not the identical headlight switch.

Thanks to all who respond. Happy New Year!

Hugh