960 wagon heat problems

michaelmuller · Post by **michaelmuller** » 01 Dec 2012, 11:47

Hi,

I have an issue with my 960 wagon. When I first got the car this past July, the AC light was flashing. I ignored it because I didn't really need the AC. I knew the heat worked fine, which I need up here in the northeast.

However, a week ago or so the heat suddenly stopped working. It worked fine in the morning. I parked the car in a lot, came back about five hours later, and no heat. Ugh.

I found the sheet with the AC diagnostic codes on it, and followed the procedure to get the codes.

You can find the info on this other Volvo forum site:

http://volvoforums.com/forum/volvo-260- ... ght-63391/

I'm getting the code 132 every time I do the diagnostic, and sometimes I also get 161. Of the three times on three different days I've done the diagnostic, the 161 only came up once.

In-Vehicle Temperature Sensor
Open Circuit Or Short Circuit To 12 Volts .......... 132

Solar Sensor ......................................... 161

I'm not sure where the in-vehicle temperature sensor is. Is it in the dome light? It says the "courtesy light fixture" in the docs, so I'm not sure this is the same thing. The dome light is not currently connected in my car. I have two of them in the garage but neither ever produced light when plugged in, and the heat worked fine all during that time, so I didn't worry about it. It was only until a week ago or so that the heat stopped working.

The temp panel controls work fine. Blower blows as needed, vents switch no problem. Recirculate actuates. No heat.

I took the car to a local high-end garage and they replaced my thermostat, which didn't need replacing. They then wanted to look under the dash for three hours, at $115 per hour (!!!). I told them no thanks and took the car back.

Not sure what to do at this point. Any thoughts?

Post by **billofdurham** » 01 Dec 2012, 15:34

Welcome to Matthew's Volvo Site.

You could have found the diagnostics sheet on this forum - but, no matter, you have it.

The in-vehicle temp sensor is located in the overhead dome light fitting. There is a small hole in the fitting and the sensor hides in there. A known problem with that sensor is dirt collecting in the hole as air is drawn in. This insulates the sensor. Try putting a couple of squirts of electrical contact cleaner into the hole. As the excess runs out it should bring out any dirt in there.

If this does not cure the problem you may need a new sensor.

Bill.

michaelmuller · Post by **michaelmuller** » 02 Dec 2012, 10:24

Thank you. I will work to put the light assembly back in, even though the light itself doesn't work.

This should stop the blinking, however, I believe it is unlikely to fix the heat (but then again, what do I know?). Does anyone have any advice regarding that?

North42g · Post by **North42g** » 29 Dec 2012, 06:21

I was in the "help needed" forum and read your post. Myself being Massachusetts native I thought I would see if I could help. Just to be clear, I have no intention of driving out to Greenfield from my eastern / central mass location.
However, have you solved your "No Heat" issue?
Would like to know if there are any other symptoms.
Have you checked the what I consider the basices?
Does the Temp gauge rise to "normal operating temp?"
Have you checked Thermostat function/operation?
Is the Water/Coolant Pump circulating the antifreeze/coolant properly?
Do the dash controls work properly? i.e; Can you determine if the Temp Blend Door behind dash is funtioning properly?
Is the Blower motor Fan operational?
Is this system electric or vacuum operated? Are all fuses/relay funtional? Are all underdash / engine bay vacuum lines connected/functional?
(Please excuse me if I missed a previous post that reveals wether or not this information was addressed. )
As a mechanic (Volvos are not my specialty) , these are some of the places I would start in my diagnostic.To rule all these basic out one by one may be helpful.