Bizarre incessant chatter in drivers side window switches

aewoodhouse · Post by **aewoodhouse** » 22 Jan 2008, 18:55

Last year when I purchased my 2002 V70 T-5, I noticed (no - rather I was closer to tormented by) a loud chatter very much like the sound of wind up dentures from the novelty store, coming from the window switch cluster every time it got below about 40F. Within about 5 min of driving it would slow down then stop altogether. Flash forward, despite a mild Atlanta winter, it is now a constant problem (never quits - not even with the car turned totally off) in any temp that has finally driven me to simply pull the fuse and make do without any power locks or window control from that side. I googled in vain but finally found someone with the same problem who was told to get the software reinstalled.

So I took it to the StealerShip today, where I was told that I needed a new cluster, and that it would take 2.5 hours to install. (parts + labor $600) Given than I suspect that the thing can just be pried out, I was speechless - I paid the $90 and left with no repair and a bad mood.

First of all has anyone ever heard of this, and second of all can anyone confirm the procedure for replacing it? As of now, I plan on buying the part myself and installing it, after which I suspect I'll have to return to the stealership for the softward update. Or... do you think just an update would do it?

Thanks for reading! This mystery is making me crazy!

Post by **JRL** » 22 Jan 2008, 20:28

I'm not sure if it's the master switch but it's about a 5 minute install
BUT..on an 01 it has to be initialized at a Volvo dealer for 50 bucks or so
They're ripping you off.
I do not think you can install a used switch in these (01 and newer) but I will check for you and get the info back tomorrow.
If so you can buy a used switch for very cheap

aewoodhouse · Post by **aewoodhouse** » 26 Jan 2008, 06:56

Hi JRL, thanks for the reply. I found a used switch on ebay and am wondering if that would indeed work as it saves me about 80% and since this is the second one being replaced in 2 years I'd rather do used than new.

Still so fuming mad at the dealer and all their bold faced lies. Anyone in the Atlanta GA area, take heed - Dyer and Dyer Volvo quoted me $300 labor for a 10 minute job. I'd stay away. Will being going to a different dealer for the software install...

Post by **JRL** » 26 Jan 2008, 07:15

aewoodhouse wrote:Hi JRL, thanks for the reply. I found a used switch on ebay and am wondering if that would indeed work as it saves me about 80% and since this is the second one being replaced in 2 years I'd rather do used than new.

Still so fuming mad at the dealer and all their bold faced lies. Anyone in the Atlanta GA area, take heed - Dyer and Dyer Volvo quoted me $300 labor for a 10 minute job. I'd stay away. Will being going to a different dealer for the software install...

As I said I do not think you can just install a switch in a P2 car and expect it to work.
It has to be initialized (by a dealer) and as I said, not sure if a USED switch will work at all
Old cars, no problem but I have no personal experience with the newer car regarding switches, none have ever failed on me

sony2000 · Post by **sony2000** » 03 Mar 2008, 13:38

Volvo switches when malfunctioning, don't always need to be tossed. They can be opened up and the problem can be fixed with a bit of patience. My sunroof switch was intermittent. It was a matter of building up the roller with airplane glue and rotating it to a fresh area.