ECC Unit Removed (After Dash Removal), 1996 850 Turbo Topic is solved

rick4484 · Post by **rick4484** » 28 Jan 2020, 15:45

Okay....I've been all over this forum, searched other forums, searched on Youtube, called a Volvo salvage yard, looked at the Chilton's manual (haha), and have found comments and posts about how easy this unit comes out of the dash. I've been warned that it comes out so easily that I may hurt myself if not careful.

I've pulled the radio, leaving it connected, looked under the ECC unit for release tabs of any kind and there is nothing. The Chilton's manual says there's a release button... NOPE, no button or anything remotely similar.

So, with both hands, reaching into the radio opening, I grabbed the back of the ECC Unit and pulled, and pulled and pulled.....NOTHING! It will not budge and seems like it's locked in somehow.

I've tried plastic trim tools to slide in between the unit and the dash to try to dislodge it, but nothing.

I'm afraid if I pull any harder it will destroy the dash. I've seen a few posts where people have had trouble working these out of the dash, but seldom is there follow-up as to what worked to free them from the dash.

I ordered a replacement unit from a salvage yard, $125.00, and when it arrives, I'll examine it to see if I can figure out what is preventing this from coming out.

I would appreciate any recommendations.
Thanks.

Post by **matthew1** » 28 Jan 2020, 16:32

I usually de-CAPS topic subject lines, but I'll leave this.

The frustration is real.

Sorry I don't know the answer to your ECC problem.

Post by **misha** » 28 Jan 2020, 16:32

I don't know how to say this to you....
The unit needs to be pushed out from the back towards you...not to be pulled from the inside.
It comes out in the same direction like radio.

rick4484 · Post by **rick4484** » 28 Jan 2020, 16:58

Matthew1, thanks for the reply. Yes, I'm somewhat frustrated because I was anticipating to have a similar repair to what others have reported. Sometimes, just walking away from it for a few minutes works best. But, I've been at it off and on for the past hour.

Misha, so reaching my hands in through the opening, the opening left by removing the radio, grabbing onto the back of the ECC unit, and pulling it toward me, as I sit in the driver's seat, is not the correct procedure? I can't see any other way to do it. Did you think I was pushing it toward the engine? I've watched Robert's video and that's what he appears to do. Am I wrong?

rick4484 · Post by **rick4484** » 28 Jan 2020, 16:59

Misha, I reread your post, and, yes, I've been pulling at it in the same direction as the radio was pulled.

rick4484 · Post by **rick4484** » 28 Jan 2020, 17:04

I think I'll give up on it for now and wait for the salvage unit which should arrive tomorrow. I'll look at the salvage unit closely to see what might be hanging up the unit I'm trying to extricate. I'm thinking about removing the dash if I'm unable to see anything obvious.

Post by **scot850** » 28 Jan 2020, 17:05

Long time since I removed an 850 ECC unit but I recall wearing a glove was well advised due to sharp edges in there.

I do seem to recall there was a lock near the back, but even the V/S70 version can get well stuck in there over time. Try to push up the rear of the ECC unit at the back and see if that will break the seal. Unfortunately I don't have access to my 850 parts stash as I might have an ECC unit there I could have photographed for you. Sorry for that.

I do recall it was a swine to persuade out the first time removing one no matter what the manuals say!
If you have a small mirror and flashlight, try shining that back there just behind the cross bar that if I recall supports the ECC unit at the back.

Good Luck!

Neil.

Post by **misha** » 28 Jan 2020, 17:09

Maybe a metal frame for a radio doesn't allow you to free the ECC unit and push it out.
It have pins on both sides and also up and down which secures the radio unit.
Try with removing that frame and see if that helps.

rick4484 · Post by **rick4484** » 28 Jan 2020, 17:16

Misha, thanks for the reply, but I don't see where the radio bracket would obstruct the ECC Unit. I think it has some type of obstruction on the ECC unit itself. Actually, the area where the radio slides into the dash is plastic.

rick4484 · Post by **rick4484** » 28 Jan 2020, 17:22

Scot850, thanks, I tried jostling it, pushing up the back, pulling down from the back, trying left to right, but it's stubborn. If I do manage to free it from the dash without busting the plastic surrounding it, I'll make sure to post the steps to my success....or failure.