850 Power Seat Backrest Problem

sgm85 · Post by **sgm85** » 16 Jul 2009, 23:43

An hour ago I was out with my girlfriend (who is studying away from home this summer) and we were sitting in my 1995 Volvo 850. I have a power seat and reclined halfway. When I went to raise the seat again, it would not come back up.

All other motors are functioning fine, but my backrest is now stuck about 15 degrees south of drivable, and I have to make the 5 hour drive home in 2 days. According to a diagram I saw, this motor is probably INSIDE the seat - not something I'm looking forward to and not really something that I can afford.

Is there a quick fix, or an easy fix, of this issue? All I really want is to be able to lock the seat into it's upright position, and I don't need that recline function to work...keep in mind I am several hundred miles away from my regular mechanic.

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 17 Jul 2009, 05:42

Welcome to MVS.
In the meantime, I would push on that seat as you push the motor for it to come up. Typically this problem is not the motor but the cable and it can be repaired. Look in our repair database for the how-to on it.

Post by **Ozark Lee** » 17 Jul 2009, 08:49

There are several writeups, this one is decent as well:

http://volvoforums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=16364

You can use small zip ties instead of hog rings to re-secure the upholstery.

...Lee

BIG DOG · Post by **BIG DOG** » 19 Jun 2010, 19:43

Just to verify My seat is stuck in one position now it won't recline back or forth .Every thing sounds like it is moving/working just the seat isn't moving.So from what I understand is the cable inside is probably worn and needs to be pushed in farther?So I can eother heat and push in or cut the cable back some and then reincert so as I have fresh cable in the hole.I just don't have any of the slowly dropping symptoms mine just won't move and my daughter moved it to her setting not mine....

Post by **JRL** » 19 Jun 2010, 20:58

Not 'worn'.
BROKEN

BIG DOG · Post by **BIG DOG** » 20 Jun 2010, 18:38

Ok broken does that mean I can still do the heat or cut the cable back and repair like all the writes suggest or will I have to get a new cable?
Thanks!

Post by **Ozark Lee** » 20 Jun 2010, 21:24

Some have successfully repaired the cable but since it is such a PITA to get to I would recommend a new cable - it is your call.

...Lee