Installing Front Fog Lights '96 850 GLT

Post by **Volvofan94** » 21 Sep 2012, 17:43

Thank you everone for your help on this. It's been a project, but I think I have most of the parts together to start installing.

My car wasn't pre-wired for fog lamps so I went to the Volvo dealer to get the harness that runs from the dash to the fog lamps. I asked them about a 8 pin yellow harness that has a couple extra relays and the dash switch. I don't have this with my car. The dealer said it would be hard to find as the part isn't made anymore. The hunt is on!

Now for my question, I went to my local junkyard and found a 96 850 with the yellow plug behind a "dummy plate" on the dash. This part looks to be integrated with the whole dash illumination circuit. Didn't notice any relays were on the circuit either. It plugs into a large electrical box under the dash. The 8 pin yellow connector (as I saw on mine by the brake pedal) wasn't used.

Would this work for my car or should I look for the correct part?

Thank you for your help!

Post by **Ozark Lee** » 21 Sep 2012, 18:03

The path from the switch to the fog lights won't be a direct path unless you make it so. Under the dash, on the very left hand side are a series of largish (roughly 2 1/2" x 6" or so) ZIF style connectors. Anything on the dash is routed through those connectors so that the dashboard can be removed when necessary.

If you download the schematics from the download area in the repair database it will identify the connector and the pins involved. Take the switch along with you to the junk yard (have them mark it as yours as you go in) and see if the plug fits and if the wire colors are correct. Cut the wires as close as you can to the big zif socket.

On the other end I would start at the plugs and tear up the wiring harness under the hood as necessary to get back to the same plug under the dash.

...Lee

Post by **Ben850** » 21 Sep 2012, 19:32

I too am installing '96 850 GLT foglights, only I am using the '93 original circuitry. I've changed the bumper from Alter 1 to Alter 2 after a front end accident.
I haven't done the foglights yet, but I expect the functionality to be the same. The only issue I am having, is finding the drivers side molding for the fixture, OEM #9134398. You can buy the passengers side rubber frame, OEM #9134399, from the dealer for $10. but the drivers side is no longer produced. I'll post a thread in the parts forum, but if anyone has one, (or both), PM me if you can part with them.
It's the only thing keeping me from tearing apart the front end again, which I am not in a huge hurry to do. But I suppose once I get the drivers side frame molding, I'll be inspired to jump right into the project.

Has anyone cut out these templates for the lights? If so, What did you use? I was considering a fine jigsaw blade, slow and steady. Any other suggestions are wlcome. Dremel tool maybe?

Post by **BEJinFbk** » 22 Sep 2012, 01:29

Volvofan94 wrote: The 8 pin yellow connector (as I saw on mine by the brake pedal) wasn't used.

The yellow connector is quite possibly the accessory connector that
Volvo thoughtfully provides for owner installation of aftermarket
electrical items. It provides a range of outputs, including battery
power, switched, dash illumination and IIRC, a high beam trigger
for energizing driving light relays. Wish all cars had'em !

Post by **Volvofan94** » 24 Sep 2012, 19:13

Thank you everyone for your help on this project. I really appreciate it.

Per Lee's idea I took my switch I had to the junk yard and compared the wires and they matched up, so I started pulling the whole dash harness out of the 96 850. Took it home and found out the ZIF box (under the dash) wasn't the same on my 94.

I'm going to try and go through the wiring schematics on the Repair Database to see if I can locate the correct wires I need and add those to my car. Hopefully I can get something to work out.

If possible, I'd like to find Volvo part number 9134497 which plugs into the 8 pin yellow connector under the dash. It has two relays on it and a plug-in for the dash switch. Volvo has discontinued the part. Does anyone have one of these for sale or know of a good Volvo place where I could try to call?

If you have one for sale, please PM me.

Thank you!

Post by **Volvofan94** » 11 Dec 2012, 17:41

Has anyone cut out these templates for the lights? If so, What did you use? I was considering a fine jigsaw blade, slow and steady. Any other suggestions are wlcome. Dremel tool maybe?

For my car, I was going to use a Dremel cutting blade, coping saw and a very steady hand. My plan was to start in the center of the cutouts (I found mine on the backside of the bumper) and work my way outward chipping small pieces at a time until I got to the outer ring. Use the coping saw for the finer outer edges to best fit the trim rings. SInce I'll be painting my car soon, I found a seller on eBay who had a bumper cover with fogs from a wrecked 850. I picked it up for a real good price and it is in good shape too.

Maybe you could check eBay to see if one is still available for sale.

Good Luck.