1996 Volvo 850R Dummy/Dash Lights Stay On after Key Removal

wackenhut · Post by **wackenhut** » 28 Jun 2026, 11:18

Hi,

So I believe this might have happened to a few on the forum before.
This just started happening, where after driving, when I remove the key, all dummy lights (excluding the Up Arrow light and the Check Engine light) stay on and do not shutoff. This also causes the car to not be able to lock using the key fob.

I tried it a bunch of times in terms of starting the car and then removing the key, and eventually the lights turned off so I did not think anything of it. Fast forward about 5 days. My battery was completely drained.

I was doing some research and had an additional ignition switch on hand. I swapped it out today, but this did not solve the issue. The dummy lights still remained on when the key was removed. If anyone has had this issue or knows what to do, please let me know.

It would be greatly appreciated. For now I have disconnected the batter.

Thank you.

Post by **matthew1** » 28 Jun 2026, 12:14

Ignition switch was my first and only thought when I read this. Hm. Following.

wackenhut · Post by **wackenhut** » 28 Jun 2026, 13:26

Yep, the ignition switch can be ruled out since I swapped them.

aeg · Post by **aeg** » 28 Jun 2026, 16:12

When the car is in the lights stuck on state, what happens if you pull the wiring harness off of the ignition switch?

wackenhut · Post by **wackenhut** » 28 Jun 2026, 21:39

Good question, I do not know as I disconnected the battery before installing the ignition switch. I was reading that I should do that as a safety measure. Is it safe to do that? I can give it a try. Just don't want to short anything or cause any issues with the airbag.

aeg · Post by **aeg** » 29 Jun 2026, 22:13

If you're worried, you could connect the battery... check if the dash is lit up... disconnect the battery... unplug the harness and make sure it is not touching anything... connect the battery again and take a look at the dash... disconnect the battery and put everything back how it was

Post by **abscate** » 30 Jun 2026, 02:59

Did you ever resolve your SRS light coming on for a flash on occasion? That pointed to funkiness in your Central Display Mofule or the thing in front of the steering wheel.

Not behind the steering wheel, that’s you. In front of…..

Post by **scot850** » 30 Jun 2026, 14:32

Not sure why the dash would stay on once the key is removed. Only time I have had issues like that was due to electrical part of the ignition key having an internal fault or worn section. When you replaced the part was it with a new part?

Have you checked the ignition barrel itself. It uses a simple keyed end to turn the electrical portion on and off. Maybe it is worn and not turning the electrical portion fully off?

Do the lights stay on all the time when this happens or do they slowly go out after some time?

Neil.