Replacing Headlight Switch on '98 S90 Topic is solved

crater33 · Post by **crater33** » 17 May 2019, 00:31

As I was driving around Houston tonight, I noticed both the headlights (low beams) go out at the same time on my 1998 Volvo S90. I checked all the fuses and they're still intact. The high beams still work when I pull-and-hold the lever, but won't go into their "permanent on" mode. The problem seems to be coming from the headlight switch itself (part #6849766) because when I put the switch into "parking lights only" mode and wiggle the switch around, the parking lights will flicker.

Here's the EuroParts page for it: https://www.eeuroparts.com/Parts/7963/H ... h-8622027/

Assuming I can find the right part, either at a salvage yard, online, or from a dealer, I need to know how to replace the switch. I've never worked on any of the electrical parts of a car before. I'm not even sure where to start! My S90 has this fancy wood-veneer paneling that surrounds the switch, the steering wheel, and even the A/C & radio. It don't know how to remove it without damaging it. Assuming I am able to remove it, how is the switch attached to the dash? And what does it actually plug in to?

Post by **RickHaleParker** » 17 May 2019, 02:40

[youtube][/youtube]

dm635 · Post by **dm635** » 17 May 2019, 05:37

I had this problem on a 960 once. It ended up being the ignition switch behind the key. I could make the headlights come on by turning the key back towards off. Just a little bit, not enough to kill the engine. Not saying this is your problem, but very easy to check.

Start the car and just turn the key back slightly and see if the lights come on.

dm635 · Post by **dm635** » 17 May 2019, 10:00

If the headlights come on it's the ignition switch and not the headlight switch. The ignition switch is connected to the back side of the key tumbler assy. A couple of screws and it pulls off.

crater33 · Post by **crater33** » 17 May 2019, 12:58

dm635 wrote: ↑17 May 2019, 05:37 I had this problem on a 960 once. It ended up being the ignition switch behind the key. I could make the headlights come on by turning the key back towards off. Just a little bit, not enough to kill the engine. Not saying this is your problem, but very easy to check.

Oh no ... I'm very familiar with the ignition switch problem. My Volvo has that too, and I have to explain to ever mechanic & valet how to "jiggle" the key to get the transmission out of park (and it normally also turns the headlights on.)

This is a new problem. And I'm 99% sure that its the headlight control switch

crater33 · Post by **crater33** » 17 May 2019, 13:11

RickHaleParker wrote: ↑17 May 2019, 02:40 [youtube][/youtube]

Awesome! I was able to remove the broken headlight switch. I'd like to get back on the road and be able to drive safely at night as soon as possible. None of the Volvo dealership in Houston have this part in stock. And the earliest I could get a used part shipped to me via eBay is next Tuesday. So, I'm going to drive out to LSK pick-a-part and see if I can salvage one off a 1997 Volvo 960.

If they don't have it, and if I need to have one shipped to me, is there a way I can hot-wire the switch so that the headlights turn on in the meantime? I see the port that plugs into the back of the switch has eight contacts. Does anyone know if I can just two of them out with a jumper or a paperclip or something? And which two would I need to connect? I don't want to blow a fuse or cause any more damage

^^ Front ^^

^^ Back ^^

^^ Connector ^^

Post by **RickHaleParker** » 17 May 2019, 18:02

crater33 wrote: ↑17 May 2019, 13:11 So, I'm going to drive out to LSK pick-a-part and see if I can salvage one off a 1997 Volvo 960.

LKQ Pick-Your-Part Houston-Northville
1100 Northville
Houston, Texas 77038
Has one car you can pick that switch from the 1997 960/S90 at Row: O Space: 4.

LKQ Pick-Your-Part Houston-SW ...Nothing.
LKQ Pick-Your-Part Houston Wallisville ... Nothing.

Car that have the same switch.
Volvo Part number 8622027.
1995 - 1997 850.
1995 - 1997 960.
1997 - 1998 S/V90.

crater33 · Post by **crater33** » 17 May 2019, 22:05

dm635 wrote: ↑17 May 2019, 10:00 If the headlights come on it's the ignition switch and not the headlight switch. The ignition switch is connected to the back side of the key tumbler assy. A couple of screws and it pulls off.

While I'm at the junkyard, I might as well see if I can find the parts to fix this issue as well. Is there a guide somewhere that shows how to replace the ignition switch?

dm635 · Post by **dm635** » 18 May 2019, 05:05

You'll have to remove the drivers side below dash panel and also the bottom cover of the steering column. 2 flat head screws hold it in place. Then it just pulls off. All the other screws getting the covers off are torx. The harness side of the ignition switch just pulls right off. You'll be left with just the switch and no harness. To get the bottom cover off the steering column you will have to remove the lever that controls tilt.