Brake Abs Warning Light problems of the 1996 Volvo 850

1996 Volvo 850 - abs light intermittent - not sure if abs is working or not - told by Volvo repair specialists that this is a common occurrence on the 96 & 97 models - also told that abs computer has tendency to burn out relatively quickly on this model & year - told to go ahead and replace it - again - had it replaced less than 4 years ago -.

1996 Volvo 850 abs light intermittent not sure if abs is working or not comes and goes.

I have a 1996 Volvo 850 turbo station wagon. It has only 41,000 miles but the abs light would come on and off. I am told this is a common problem for the car. Volvo claims it is one of the safest car on the road and quite reliable. I disagree. Pls. Ask Volvo to issue a recall as this is annoying and could prove to be dangerous.

After starting the vehicle the abs warning light illuminated and stayed on until the vehicle was shut off. Dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem.

The abs and tracs off idiot lamps turn on and off intermittently in my 850. I can be driving around on dry pavement with very little throttle input, and the traction control will engage (audible whirring of the abs modulator pump and stiff pulsating brake pedal - quickly applied to confirm my suspicion). This will light the lamps. Likewise, I can be braking on a dry surface at a low decel, and the abs will engage. This will also light the lamps and shut off abs/tracs. After a while, the lights will turn off, and abs and tracs function normally. This happens about once or twice a day since the first incident on 7/11/03. I've given an estimate number in the field below. Furthermore, the speedometer functions intermittently. I've traced this issue back to a faulty connection between the vehicle wiring harness and the abs controller. The times this has happened, the wiring harness has not been fastened securely in the plug on the abs controller. Removing and replugging the wiring harness into the abs controller temporarily solves the problem. The wiring harness is coming loose in normal driving conditions. The car is well maintained and is not abused. This has happened two times since the first incident on 7/11/03.

Abs warning light came on. I took the car into dealer and was told that control unit needed to be replaced. It seemed strange to me, so I asked if this was a common problem for my type of car. I was told this type problem happens. But, it continued to bother me, so I researched the issue, and I came across an article in the March 1, 1999 issue of motor age. According to the article, if abs warning light comes on, the problem may be a faulty electronic brake distribution switch. The article went on to state that if the part number stamped on the switch is 9157358, the switch must be replaced, and if brake fluid has already leaked into the switch connector, the switch, wiring harness and the abs control unit must all be replaced. According to the article, this is considered a safety recall and the factory has issued a recall notice to owners. I did not receive a recall notice. After reading the article, I contacted Volvo and was told that no parts on my particular vehicle have been recalled. However, that does not mean that my car is not affected by this same faulty switch. Volvo denies that there is a problem with the switch in my car or any other car, but I think this matter should be looked into further. So far, I have gotten the run around.