Recently bit the bullet and took my 96 NA 850 wagon to get the srs light looked at. There were 4 codes, they reset it and said if it came back on I would need to replace the srs module. I'm not finding a whole lot on replacing this and I am not paying $950 for them to do it. Any tips? Is this something I can do on my own, or do I need to worry about setting off airbags and stuff, if so I ain't down.
The abs module is said to need replacing as well (can't believe there was no recall on this). I saw the post on reparing an abs module (planning on buying a rebuilt one) and I am assuming I can follow the same tips for removal and replacement? Is there anything else to this; it seems pretty easy.
Thanks in advance
96 volvo 850 gl wagon
81,000 original
SRS module replacement/abs module replacement
This topic is in the MVS Volvo Repair Database »
How to Fix Armrest on a P2 V70, XC70 or S60
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Ozark Lee
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I have never hear of the SRS module itself actually failing. Unplugging any SRS related component such as an airbag or the seat belt reels with the battery still connected will set a code every time. It is a good idea to reset them and see if anything comes back.
As far as the ABS module you can give it a shot yourself or member Matty Moo will do it for you for cheap. There are only two kinds of '96 and on Volvo 850 ABS modules, those that have died and those that are going to die.
...Lee
As far as the ABS module you can give it a shot yourself or member Matty Moo will do it for you for cheap. There are only two kinds of '96 and on Volvo 850 ABS modules, those that have died and those that are going to die.
...Lee
'94 850 N/A 5 speed
'96 Platinum Edition Turbo
Previous:
1999 V70XC - Nautic Blue - Totaled while parked.
1999 V70XC - RIP - Wrecked Parts Car.
1998 S70 T5
1996 850 N/A
1989 740 GLT
1986 740 GLT
1972 142 Grand Luxe
'96 Platinum Edition Turbo
Previous:
1999 V70XC - Nautic Blue - Totaled while parked.
1999 V70XC - RIP - Wrecked Parts Car.
1998 S70 T5
1996 850 N/A
1989 740 GLT
1986 740 GLT
1972 142 Grand Luxe
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Matty Moo
- Posts: 1810
- Joined: 12 October 2008
- Year and Model: 850, 1996
- Location: Ann Arbor, MI
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The ABS module is cake to replace. There's a really good video on youtube that shows how to do it. When people ask me, I always point them to the video.
I've never heard of anybody having to replace a srs module. I've seen the module in a 95 under the center console, but have zero idea where it is on a 96-97.
I've never heard of anybody having to replace a srs module. I've seen the module in a 95 under the center console, but have zero idea where it is on a 96-97.

http://www.midwest-abs.com
Simplycleanpowerwash.com
1996 850 Platinum Wagon. ARD Green Tune, OBX.-Gone
1998 s70 ARD tune, EST exhaust, SE/R interior.
1999 s70 Plain Jane.
2000 s70 GLT
2014 Ram
2012 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited
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Ozark Lee
- MVS Moderator
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On my '96s it is in the same place - under the center console.I've never heard of anybody having to replace a srs module. I've seen the module in a 95 under the center console, but have zero idea where it is on a 96-97.
...Lee
'94 850 N/A 5 speed
'96 Platinum Edition Turbo
Previous:
1999 V70XC - Nautic Blue - Totaled while parked.
1999 V70XC - RIP - Wrecked Parts Car.
1998 S70 T5
1996 850 N/A
1989 740 GLT
1986 740 GLT
1972 142 Grand Luxe
'96 Platinum Edition Turbo
Previous:
1999 V70XC - Nautic Blue - Totaled while parked.
1999 V70XC - RIP - Wrecked Parts Car.
1998 S70 T5
1996 850 N/A
1989 740 GLT
1986 740 GLT
1972 142 Grand Luxe
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superfing
- Posts: 56
- Joined: 5 April 2010
- Year and Model: 96 volvo 850 Wagon
- Location: Oregon
- Has thanked: 2 times
Apparently I am throwing 4 different codes with the srs system. They reset the light at volvo and it was back on in a day. They said I need to replace the srs unit ata charge 0f $950!! No thanks!
Any idea?
I am going to do the abs myself so that will be taken care of.
Any idea?
I am going to do the abs myself so that will be taken care of.
96 Volvo 850 wagon
85 Volvo 240 Wagon DL
85 Volvo 240 Wagon DL
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Ozark Lee
- MVS Moderator
- Posts: 14798
- Joined: 7 September 2006
- Year and Model: Many Volvos
- Location: USA Midwest
- Has thanked: 4 times
- Been thanked: 75 times
What are the code numbers?
...Lee
...Lee
'94 850 N/A 5 speed
'96 Platinum Edition Turbo
Previous:
1999 V70XC - Nautic Blue - Totaled while parked.
1999 V70XC - RIP - Wrecked Parts Car.
1998 S70 T5
1996 850 N/A
1989 740 GLT
1986 740 GLT
1972 142 Grand Luxe
'96 Platinum Edition Turbo
Previous:
1999 V70XC - Nautic Blue - Totaled while parked.
1999 V70XC - RIP - Wrecked Parts Car.
1998 S70 T5
1996 850 N/A
1989 740 GLT
1986 740 GLT
1972 142 Grand Luxe
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superfing
- Posts: 56
- Joined: 5 April 2010
- Year and Model: 96 volvo 850 Wagon
- Location: Oregon
- Has thanked: 2 times
sorry for the delay, the 4 codes are for driver and passenger seat belts and driver and passenger air bags. The codes are intermittent and when cleared by volvo they stayed off for a day then returned. My car has never been wrecked or anything.
96 Volvo 850 wagon
85 Volvo 240 Wagon DL
85 Volvo 240 Wagon DL
- skloon
- Posts: 526
- Joined: 17 June 2010
- Year and Model: 94 850 95 850 04 S60
- Location: Edmonton AB
- Been thanked: 2 times
My 94 had error code indicating drivers side seatbelt tensioner code, I looked through all the maitenance records that came with it and they said, checked wiring, cleared code, this was dating back to 2000. I got a new module from pick-n-steal and voila no more light, real easy to change under the console, 10 mins tops
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Eat-Fish+2
- Posts: 4
- Joined: 5 May 2010
- Year and Model: 2003 V70 XC
- Location: NJ
Screwed up my courage, (after being told abs needed replacement, sensors ok) watched the video & removed the module, making note of the serial #, on my '99 V70. Exchanged a couple of emails with Matty Moo, he didn't currently have one in house, so I sent him mine on a monday, he re-built, turned it around, & it was back in car sat. am. Total cost inc. priority shipping was less than the $75 diagnosis! (which the Volvo shop generously offered to knock off if they did the work, $700+), & even considerably less than the rebuilts available from parts suppliers on line. This guy is good, don't muck with him, he stands by & guarantees his work, but not on someone else's rebuilt mistakes. Bottom line, thanks to Matthews forum & Matty, it's a great $ saving resource. My experience was great, & I don't think unique, based on other commentary here. I've waited a couple of weeks & several hundred miles of idiot free lights before posting. Hope this is helpful.
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Matty Moo
- Posts: 1810
- Joined: 12 October 2008
- Year and Model: 850, 1996
- Location: Ann Arbor, MI
- Has thanked: 1 time
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Thanks for the feedback, I appreciate it.

http://www.midwest-abs.com
Simplycleanpowerwash.com
1996 850 Platinum Wagon. ARD Green Tune, OBX.-Gone
1998 s70 ARD tune, EST exhaust, SE/R interior.
1999 s70 Plain Jane.
2000 s70 GLT
2014 Ram
2012 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited
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