1994 480 ES 2.0 mystery button

thedudeabides · Aug 7th, 2011, 15:51

Hi everyone,
on my 480 there's a button by the gear stick that I can't fathom out. I was thinking that it was a release for the nearby ashtray compartment thingy but it doesn't seem to do anything related to it - unless it's broken of course but I can't see any movement round the catches when it's pressed. There's no mention of it in the handbook.
My other thought is that it's related to the alarm which leads to my next question..
How do I definitively test whether my alarm is working? The dashboard LED doesn't come on at all and I've no idea how to turn on the alarm on in the first place.
Thanks in advance,
Graham

captainslow · Aug 7th, 2011, 18:41

That is definately an after market addition-I've never seen another 480 with anything similar.

Dont know what it is-is there any other clues around the car-upgraded sound system/wires for extra speakers, or motion sensors on the inside of the A pillar perhaps?

The factory alarm dash LED should flash constantly when the doors are locked.

thedudeabides · Aug 7th, 2011, 19:16

Hmm...intriguing.

There's no motion sensors or extra wiring etc. visible. Sound system is stock and even has the original volvo cassette radio.

That also confirms my suspicions that the alarm isn't working either. Which fuse should I check for the alarm?

Cheers.

migrator · Aug 8th, 2011, 07:38

Time to get the V5C out and contact the previous keeper.

glasgowjim · Aug 8th, 2011, 09:43

Remove the cubbies in the centre console and take out the ashtray this will allow you to access the other side then follow the wires back . After market alarm / immobiliser systems are a potential nightmare . I usually just remove them when I come across them unless they are thatcham and I have documentation.

thedudeabides · Aug 8th, 2011, 17:52

Well last night I removed the alarm LED and it's connector. Unable to find my multimeter to test it properly I just waggled and firmed up the connectors. Low and behold it now flashes when the door is locked. However it's a rate of about 2/3 flashes a second which seem to recall reading denotes a problem(?)

I've tried tripping the alarm by opening the locked door through the open window trick and nothing happens. My feeling now is that the button maybe disables the alarm system perhaps?

I've not had a chance to remove the ashtrays etc. but will if needed. I could contact the guy who sold it to me but he only had it for a year and a half and the mod looks older than that. I'm not sure he'll actually know as he gave me a comprehensive tour of the car and never mentioned it. Before that it was owned by the same lady for over 10 years.

migrator · Aug 9th, 2011, 08:48

The electrics in the 480 are such that just having the window open (if it is electrically powered) when the car is locked may be enough to cause an alarm trip. You are aware that by holding the door key in the locked position for a few seconds will cause a scan in the electrical system to close such things as open door windows and electric sun roof?

thedudeabides · Aug 9th, 2011, 11:47

Yeah...the windows/roof etc all close when the key's held locked for a second or two. However I've been unable to set off the alarm at all. Is there a delay before it arms itself? Maybe I'm not waiting long enough.

captainslow · Aug 9th, 2011, 12:20

If you disconnet one of the door open (or bonnet) sensors than lock the car that should se the alarm off within 15 minutes or so I'dd have thought.

dcw · Aug 9th, 2011, 12:59

The 480 alarm as standard does not have a movement sensor, so the old "arm through the window" test does not help. That only came (I think) if the system was upgraded with a remote control which, whilst standard on many late 440/460's, was only ever a (rare) option on 480s.

The standard alarm is on the door, bonnet and boot switches and the ignition switch.

To test the alarm open window, close door and lock car, then reach inside and open driver's door from inside. Alarm (continous horn blast for 30 seconds) should go off. Obviously you can test both doors boot and bonnet this way but you need to be ready at driver's door lock to switch the racket off again!

As for the flashing LED, ignore the comments from 440/460 books about 2/3 times a second showing a fault: that does not apply to the 480. A very rapid flash (as you describe) is normal when it is armed; if it has been triggered the LED will be permanently on.

I know this gets you nowhere in the question of your mystery switch (sorry, I have no idea) but it might help with checking your alarm system IF it's just the standard one.

David

Aug 8th, 2011, 07:38	#4
migrator Aye - him again Last Online: Yesterday 11:30 Join Date: May 2001 Location: HAWICK	Time to get the V5C out and contact the previous keeper. __________________ (Ouch - that's another knuckle ...) VOC 11817

Aug 9th, 2011, 08:48	#7
migrator Aye - him again Last Online: Yesterday 11:30 Join Date: May 2001 Location: HAWICK	The electrics in the 480 are such that just having the window open (if it is electrically powered) when the car is locked may be enough to cause an alarm trip. You are aware that by holding the door key in the locked position for a few seconds will cause a scan in the electrical system to close such things as open door windows and electric sun roof? __________________ (Ouch - that's another knuckle ...) VOC 11817

Aug 7th, 2011, 18:41	#2
captainslow Member Last Online: Nov 29th, 2018 22:59 Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: St Andrews	That is definately an after market addition-I've never seen another 480 with anything similar. Dont know what it is-is there any other clues around the car-upgraded sound system/wires for extra speakers, or motion sensors on the inside of the A pillar perhaps? The factory alarm dash LED should flash constantly when the doors are locked.

Aug 7th, 2011, 19:16	#3
thedudeabides New Member Last Online: Jun 22nd, 2013 19:36 Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: leeds	Hmm...intriguing. There's no motion sensors or extra wiring etc. visible. Sound system is stock and even has the original volvo cassette radio. That also confirms my suspicions that the alarm isn't working either. Which fuse should I check for the alarm? Cheers.

Aug 8th, 2011, 09:43	#5
glasgowjim Senior Member Last Online: Apr 17th, 2018 15:45 Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: glasgow	Remove the cubbies in the centre console and take out the ashtray this will allow you to access the other side then follow the wires back . After market alarm / immobiliser systems are a potential nightmare . I usually just remove them when I come across them unless they are thatcham and I have documentation.

Aug 8th, 2011, 17:52	#6
thedudeabides New Member Last Online: Jun 22nd, 2013 19:36 Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: leeds	Well last night I removed the alarm LED and it's connector. Unable to find my multimeter to test it properly I just waggled and firmed up the connectors. Low and behold it now flashes when the door is locked. However it's a rate of about 2/3 flashes a second which seem to recall reading denotes a problem(?) I've tried tripping the alarm by opening the locked door through the open window trick and nothing happens. My feeling now is that the button maybe disables the alarm system perhaps? I've not had a chance to remove the ashtrays etc. but will if needed. I could contact the guy who sold it to me but he only had it for a year and a half and the mod looks older than that. I'm not sure he'll actually know as he gave me a comprehensive tour of the car and never mentioned it. Before that it was owned by the same lady for over 10 years.

Aug 9th, 2011, 11:47	#8
thedudeabides New Member Last Online: Jun 22nd, 2013 19:36 Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: leeds	Yeah...the windows/roof etc all close when the key's held locked for a second or two. However I've been unable to set off the alarm at all. Is there a delay before it arms itself? Maybe I'm not waiting long enough.

Aug 9th, 2011, 12:20	#9
captainslow Member Last Online: Nov 29th, 2018 22:59 Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: St Andrews	If you disconnet one of the door open (or bonnet) sensors than lock the car that should se the alarm off within 15 minutes or so I'dd have thought.

Aug 9th, 2011, 12:59	#10
dcw VOC Member Last Online: Apr 18th, 2024 21:35 Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: YORK	The 480 alarm as standard does not have a movement sensor, so the old "arm through the window" test does not help. That only came (I think) if the system was upgraded with a remote control which, whilst standard on many late 440/460's, was only ever a (rare) option on 480s. The standard alarm is on the door, bonnet and boot switches and the ignition switch. To test the alarm open window, close door and lock car, then reach inside and open driver's door from inside. Alarm (continous horn blast for 30 seconds) should go off. Obviously you can test both doors boot and bonnet this way but you need to be ready at driver's door lock to switch the racket off again! As for the flashing LED, ignore the comments from 440/460 books about 2/3 times a second showing a fault: that does not apply to the 480. A very rapid flash (as you describe) is normal when it is armed; if it has been triggered the LED will be permanently on. I know this gets you nowhere in the question of your mystery switch (sorry, I have no idea) but it might help with checking your alarm system IF it's just the standard one. David

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