1998 V70XC power seat problem! (searched)

JoeRL · Post by **JoeRL** » 01 Nov 2010, 12:32

hi everyone

new to volvo's. just recently bought a 98 V70 XC with 179K - just had a lot of mechanical work done to get her running properly (front shocks, drive shaft, sway bar, tie rod...) and now im trying to fix what is left.

when i first bought the car (a month or so ago) the power seat on the pass side worked, but only to move the seat forward and backwards. the backrest was frozen in place. now, nothing works. and, the back rest is frozen ALL THE WAY back....making it difficult for anyone to sit in it...

i did some searching and found this is a rather common problem which is most likely caused by the malfunctioning of a switch, microswitch, that controls when the seat moves in case the seat is folded forward.

i have searched, and searched and cannot seem to find the dam thing! i can clearly see the metal frame of the seat and can see where the seat pivots...but i see NO switch....can anyone point me to some pix or something? i just see metal and wires where i am searching.....

again, its the passenger side. ive looked on the inside portion of the seat (by the arm rest) and the side closest to the door...i find nothing...

in the meanwhile...ive got to figure out why i am getting less than 10 MPG....yea...pretty bad right?

thanks for the help everyone, cant wait to get this seat working!

Post by **JRL** » 01 Nov 2010, 13:02

You make no sense and PLEASE change your screen name

The SWITCH is bad (they all go bad)
Pull the side panel off the seat bolster.

(erie has used switches)
http://www.erievovo.com

THIS (black arrow) is what you need to replace

(I may have a used passenger switch, I'll GIVE it to you if you change your screen name and not copy mine)

JoeRL · Post by **JoeRL** » 01 Nov 2010, 13:44

hi there JRL - pleasure to meet you - my initials happen to be JRL, II - as i am the 2nd named after my grandfather. if you are offended by my SN id be more than happy to change it....

thank you for your help - however, why do i make no sense?

i am talking about the passenger side power seat, which i think i referenced a few times. i am not referring to the actual switch to move the seat forwards and back. i understand that that is a 'micro switch' that tells the seat if it is folded forward as to stop it from trying to move the seat. (figure 3/168 in this post ~> https://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/forums ... php?t=6815 )

so, then, my problem would not be a micro switch? how do you all differentiate between what the issues may be and what the issue actually is? (micro switch vs actual switch to operate seats) (im a honda guy, power seats are new to me! haha) and why would i need to replace the drivers side for an issue with the passenger side?

the switches work....i mean they move freely at least. when i push them however, i get nothing. no noise at all. the drivers side does respond and surprisingly works all directions work! (usually...)

thanks for the help....and if i am unclear in any way please, let me know. i try to be as specific as possible as to elicit the correct response and save everyone time.

thanks agian

EDIT - i do not believe i have the option to change my SN through preferences...would i have to e-mail a MOD to get it to happen? Thanks...

Post by **JRL** » 01 Nov 2010, 13:49

You're very unclear
That's a C70 CONVERTIBLE seat they're referrring to which has the micro switch, XCs do not.
The seatback does not "fold" only tilts using the power function like most 6 way power seats do
I don't know what you're trying to accomplish nor what you are trying to say what's wrong with your seat (if anything)
If you're trying to use the power seat switches and they don't work, as I said YOU NEED A SWITCH, they go bad.

JoeRL · Post by **JoeRL** » 01 Nov 2010, 14:06

wonderful! well, thank you for the clarification JRL! i completely understand what you are saying and THANK YOU.

having said that...my passenger seat does fold forward....there are 2 hinges behind the seat that i can pull upwards and the passenger seat will fold flat onto itself.

oh, and if you REALLY want to send me the switch lemme know and ill shoot you my address.

also, what i am trying to accomplish is to have my passenger seat no longer be in the 'gangster lean' position and actually make it a usable seat. and, during that process, hopefully come to learn a little more about this VOLVO that i seem to be sinking funds into at an increasingly alarming rate lol

i suppose what i am trying to 'say' is: HOW do you know its the SWITCH that is broken and not, for example, a motor or wire? (i did check the wires BTW) i honestly dont know, i am looking for the answer...

and BTW man....to put u at ease - i have been [JRL, II] since the day i came out of the womb. grandfather was JRL - - -

anyhow - thanks again. and LMK about the SN JRL - i do not think i can change it,(i tried) know a MOD i can email? i didnt mean to make you all hott and bothered man...thanks for the help and im being as clear as i can be with the knowledge that i have. sorry if i am not nearly as well informed as you folks.

Post by **JRL** » 01 Nov 2010, 14:14

Well, depending on how old you are...I may BE older than your grandfather!!
Anyhow if it was an 850, THOSE cars broke seatback cables but on a GEN 1 XC it's 99% the switch and only the switch.Try really wiggling the switch back and forth, the reason is usually dirty contacts.
I recently had one that also had a bad backrest, that portion of the switch was bad and the fix was a new switch
It's easy for me, I always have 3-5 of these cars around so I can swap parts to make sure that's what's needed.

I'll look to see if I still have it and didn't use it

Post by **JRL** » 01 Nov 2010, 14:18

MVS owner

https://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/forums ... rofile&u=2

JoeRL · Post by **JoeRL** » 01 Nov 2010, 14:24

thanks a lot for your help - i really do appreciate it. this issue has been driving me insane...specially when i though i was looking for a phantom switch!

if you could let me know if you have the switch i would be forever grateful and would be willing to send you something via paypal or another source.

thanks again !! and im working on the SN change !!

i just saw your post on the MOD and i just sent him a PM - fyi

Post by **JRL** » 01 Nov 2010, 14:35

PM me later tonight or in the morning (to remind me)
I won't be back in the garage until then

Post by **JRL** » 02 Nov 2010, 13:52

Free passenger switch on it's way!
Good luck