'98 S70 Drivers window switch cluster replacement

Post by **dosbricks** » 13 Mar 2014, 09:28

1998 S70 NA 221k
Good morning gentlemen,
I Need some advice on what to buy. Initially the drivers window switch broke--literally broke apart--then followed by the door lock switch going all mushy and stopped working. I guess the plastic has reached its half-life after going through the cushy, sticky, and now brittle phase before cashing out. There are no Volvos in junk yards in this part of the world, so what I am seeing on ebay is either new-made-in-China or used units from wrecking yards. The problem with the latter is that the picture shown is not exactly indicative of the condition of what you get since they always state they have several in stock. There are a few from Erie WoWo which is a fairly trustworthy purveyor of used parts.

Bottom line is I need another drivers switch cluster. What have you guys found to be the best option. Do the Chinese ones fall apart in a year? like most stuff made over there. Are the used ones as ugly as S70 controls tend to be after 16 years of service? If you were me, which way would you go?--considering the Volvo OE part is prohibitively expensive. Thanks for sharing any experience in this area.

dos

Post by **rmmagow** » 13 Mar 2014, 09:57

SwitchDoctor on Ebay, switch is fine, about $60. Another guy has them for 28.99, I had an issue with one I ordered but they made it right. Switchdoctor warranty is great and they are easy to work with.

Post by **kickin_it** » 13 Mar 2014, 10:22

I bought used at a junkyard and its been working great for 3 years now.

Post by **scot850** » 13 Mar 2014, 10:47

Trouble with buying off e-bay is a lottery. Most sellers are fair if there is a part problem, or have tested the part first before selling. Problem then is having to pay to return unless they give a refund without return.

Like you said, the junkyards in your area don't have the part, so your choices are e-bay or new. I have used the Switch-doctor part and it works fine. Also it is contactless so should not fail in the same way the OE part does. Uses a harder plastic, so hopefully won't go soft an gooey!

Their service was also excellent.

Last option is OE.

Neil.

Post by **BEJinFbk** » 13 Mar 2014, 20:53

Still available at the dealer also.
I went OEM about 6 years ago and
the Blue Box replacement is just fine.
It may cost a little more, but to me,
the peace of mind is worth it.

Post by **dosbricks** » 13 Mar 2014, 22:01

Well folks, I'm going with SwitchDoctor. As Neil said, they are made of harder plastic more like the 850s and won't go gooey. They are $64.50 from ebay and $60.00 from switchdoctor.com. Both sources have free shipping and free lifetime guarantee--which is good enough for me. Thanks to all who responded.

dos