Re-soldering relays does work

[CharlesStevenson]

Just a quick prompt to anybody else who has a 740 auto that doesn't want to stay in overdrive, which will show up as the orange arrow light coming on.

This would also apply to the fuel pump relay ( and any others for that matter ).

I'd taken the relay out a few times previously and couldn't see anything wrong with it, but posts on here had indicated that sometimes a problem with the solder is VERY hard to locate.

So, since some of it appeared a bit rough I did reflow the solder, in just the 3 places where the bracket of the relay is fixed onto the circuit board, and I now have a working relay.

So I would endorse what's already on here from previous posts; if a relay is playing up try resoldering it.

Also, I've put a few holes in the relay surround to help dissipate heat.

I've marked on the pic the three places I resoldered and although they weren't as 'bright' as the other solder points on the circuit board, I couldn't see any breaks in the connection.

It's a cheap and quick fix if it works for you so worth considering.

It will work for the fuel pump relay also, which I think suffers from a similar problem.

HTH

[minesa240x3]

Hi I've heard of this as well but thanks for a very good photo and a good explanation.
Many thanks Brian.

[minesa240x3]

As you seem to like finding ways round recurring problems!What about a few more how too's?
I'm on my second ignition switch base,The bit with the contacts in.Apparently so I've read the contacts wear out?
I keep meaning to take one apart but the thought of all the contacts flying out kind of puts me off.I have been lucky finding replacements but the day will come when they are harder to source.
Many Thanks Brian.

[CharlesStevenson]

Yes I do prefer to fix rather than simply replace, however, I've not yet (touch wood) come across a problem with the ignition switch as you describe.

Have you looked through the US linked website, turbobricks? My take on all things Volvo is that there's nothing that'll ever happen to my car that hasn't already happened to hundreds of cars before and most of those will have been sold in the USA.

Quite possibly there's a couple of how to tips there that might help.

BTW: You've probably already looked at ebay, but would that be a place to pick up a couple of spare assemblies, just in case you need them?

[Dr. Rog]

I did a similar job on a heated leather seat relay.

The plug had melted so I cut it off and soldered the wires directly to the board, bypassing the hot-spot and the damage.

This chunky technology is very serviceable with a little care.