850 T5 ABS light/headlight problem

trouty1954 · Post by **trouty1954** » 01 Aug 2009, 06:23

Hi Guys. My name's Mike and I'm new to the forum.

I have a problem with my T5. Sometimes when I start the ABS light stays on, strangely though when this happens the headlights wont work either, and the engine runs rough.

If I restart the car the ABS light will usually flicker slightly and go out. The car then runs fine, headlight work, and life is good.

Any ideas please would be gratefully received.

MIKE

Post by **Ozark Lee** » 01 Aug 2009, 09:40

Welcome to MVS Mike,

Your problem sounds like the classic symptoms of a bad electrical portion of the ignition switch. In Volvo terms it is a very cheap part and it is very easy to repair. I gave my son some pointers and he had it done on his own in 20 minutes. To test the theory try to jiggle the key the next time it acts up on you.

...Lee

trouty1954 · Post by **trouty1954** » 01 Aug 2009, 12:25

Thanks Lee. Are you saying I need to completely change the switch itself. If so where would you suggest I locate the part.

Post by **Ozark Lee** » 01 Aug 2009, 12:35

It is just the electrical portion normally. Here is a link to a good writeup on the subject.

http://volvospeed.com/Repair/ignit_switch.php

As far as parts go perhaps our British moderator billofdurham can give you some leads. I buy mine through FCP Groton but then again we don't (yet) need to deal with the silly VAT taxes and duties.

...Lee

trouty1954 · Post by **trouty1954** » 02 Aug 2009, 03:04

Thanks Lee. Having read the captions in the article I see what you mean about classic symptoms. The good news is it's dead simple to rectify.

Many thanks.

MIKE