760 Electric seat adjusters

[Ian HT]

Have just taken possession of a very nice 1989 760 GLE estate - only needs a few bits putting right as my wife's uncle bought a Jaguar a year or so ago and hasn't used the Volvo since.

The driver's seat movement switches do not work (none of them - and I am aware of the "stop" switch!) and I wonder whether anyone can suggest the things most likely to have gone wrong?

So far, I have replaced a blown fuse (15 amp for the live feed to the switch unit relay) and believe I have cured a dodgy connector for the main (30 amp) feed in the under-seat plug. Still no sign of life. Can the switch unit be opened up, is the relay in it a suspect and replaceable, etc.?

The weather has prevented much more investigation but any advice would most gratefully be received. Thanks,

Ian.

AH HA!!! See ... All you 760 critics out there yet another FAN of this Beast!!!

Sorry Ian, Not what you wanted to hear, but I had to have a "pop" at the critics out there:-)

Anyway to your problem....

It sounds as thought the main cable under the chair has broken at the connector, it's a common problem really because if you think about it the seat moves backwards/Forwards, up/down, and the cables just hang underneath therefore all this movement puts a sheering force on the cables:-(

The bad news, and it sounds as if you're like me and don't have a garage therefore forced to work out on the open:-( The seat has to be removed to gain access to the cables. It's not a job for the faint hearted as the seat weighs a ton! Once removed you'll see the cables connecting to a black relay, this is the realy for power + Heated seat setup.

Failing this, all the motors have burnt out! (I doubt this one, but it is still possible...Longshot) The way to check for power is put the ignition lights on and press the switches, the lights should "Dim" a little indicating power to the switch.


Hope this is of some help.

You know where I am if you need help.

Regards
Dave M

1989 760 GLE Estate
195k miles not out!

Dave,

I would just like to add myself to the list of fans of the V6 Volvos. I do not have one, as I like the range and fuel economy of my diesel but I do love that engine I would like to have one.

George

Resident near Leuven in Belgium

'87 745 GLE Turbo Diesel Intercooler
'88 745 Turbo Intercooler

Why You Shy Dog:-)

You pick your moments to "Come Out" Te...he :-0


Regards
Dave M

Of course, my car has six pots too!! The TIC does not count as my sister-in-law drives that, altough technically it is mine.

I am about to install electrical seats in my TDI and shall be glad to part with any leftovers once I am finished, if there anything you need.

George

Resident near Leuven in Belgium

'87 745 GLE Turbo Diesel Intercooler
'88 745 Turbo Intercooler

[Ian HT]

Thanks for the ideas Dave - I've been out this evening (balancing torch on knee) and have got the seat working for now. I think it is the main electric feed pin in the connector plug (rather than the relay one or earth). I will see about fitting a new plug if there is enough spare wire...

I've got a garage but it contains an immobile 1963 Humber Sceptre (memo to self - must learn how to weld on that new chassis leg soon) and Helen's Renault 19. That way I have the enjoyment of seeing a matched pair of tanks side by side on the drive but am very dependant on the weather.

By the way George, my 760 has only got one electric seat - the driver's side. Did any have both powered (as my old Renault 25 did I think)or could you use two driver's seats (one left-hand-drive, the other right-hand-drive)?

Ian (940 and 760)

Indeed, but electric seats are so rare in Europe that I am having them shipped in from the States, a mate just happens to be shipping a vintage truck to Rotterdam, 2 hours drive from me, and the seats are only 25 dollars each.

George

Resident near Leuven in Belgium

'87 745 GLE Turbo Diesel Intercooler
'88 745 Turbo Intercooler

Bahhh Humbug!!!!! **Green With Envy*** :-)

Regards
Dave M

Bah! Humbug!? At least you get to have the pleasure of owning one - my other half refuses point blank to le me have one (or a 940/60 or V90) as she says they are hearses. Me I'd quite like one!

Stu

Well, Volvo was very proud of the fact that these cars were rebuilt as hearses and did even supply them with extra stuff to make the cooling system more efficient (those slow drives in parades) and other things. I have never understood what is so wrong with a hearse? In Sweden, 145 Express hearses are very popular as collector cars.

George

Resident near Leuven in Belgium

'87 745 GLE Turbo Diesel Intercooler
'88 745 Turbo Intercooler