mystery blanks

Here you can talk about the joy owning a Volvo 480 brings. Non-technical discussions take place here, like what is the difference between an ES and a S version.

Moderators: jifflemon, coyote1980, Rachel

Post Reply
User avatar
WillC9303
Knows an Aerodeck isn't a 480
Posts: 297
Joined: Mon Oct 18, 2021 8:46 pm
Location: Surrey

mystery blanks

Post by WillC9303 » Sat Feb 12, 2022 4:39 pm

Hello everyone,

I was wondering what these blanks are for. I'm guessing the one next to the heated seats is to turn off traction control on cars that have it?
No clue on what the one under the glovebox might be though. It just leads to wires behind.

Image
Image

thanks
William

1993 2.0i Limited Edition

User avatar
dcwalker
480 Is my middle name
Posts: 1522
Joined: Sun Sep 16, 2012 12:30 pm
Location: York

Re: mystery blanks

Post by dcwalker » Sat Feb 12, 2022 5:51 pm

The one by the heated seats is always a blank. As far as I know the only function Volvo ever had in mind for it was for a central locking switch for the US market that never happened. Don't know if it still is but it used to be a legal requirement in some US states that cars with central locking must have an interior override switch.

It is very useful for fitting a switch to override the electric aerial, you just press out the blank and fit an extra spot-light switch. Balances that panel up nicely!!

The blank under the glovebox is a small air vent on air-con cars. It cannot be closed, the idea being that since the interior fan is always on at its lowest speed, you can't close all the vents against it.

Some early models had a similar vent or blank in the bottom of the steering column shroud - on early cars the rheostat is on the LHS. Later cars it moved to the bottom in the middle and the vent/blank was done away with.

David
Current: 1994 480 GT, 1996 460 CD & 1997 440 LE with lots of optional extras & 2007 V50 SE Sport
Previous: Celebration 331 (re-homed with Richard S), Celebration 467 (returned to Martin Mc); Celebration 346 (re-homed with Alan480); Celebration 269 (scrapped abandoned project), Celebration 73 (sold on after 6 years), 1992 ES, 1988 ES - and numerous other non-480 Volvos!

User avatar
MisterH
480 Is my middle name
Posts: 1161
Joined: Sat Nov 24, 2018 6:15 pm
Location: Stockbridge

Re: mystery blanks

Post by MisterH » Sat Feb 12, 2022 5:58 pm

On my car that blank under the glovebox has a removeable shroud which reveals some extra fuses as far as I can see and is handy for looking down when replacing the CEM, other than that, it doesn't really serve a purpose
Current Jobs to do (23/1/22):
Fix Central Locking
Fix drivers side speaker
Annoying Scratching Squeak
Water leaks
Complete Front O/S rebuild

User avatar
WillC9303
Knows an Aerodeck isn't a 480
Posts: 297
Joined: Mon Oct 18, 2021 8:46 pm
Location: Surrey

Re: mystery blanks

Post by WillC9303 » Sat Feb 12, 2022 6:05 pm

Thanks for the answers!
William

1993 2.0i Limited Edition

User avatar
dcwalker
480 Is my middle name
Posts: 1522
Joined: Sun Sep 16, 2012 12:30 pm
Location: York

Re: mystery blanks

Post by dcwalker » Sat Feb 12, 2022 6:06 pm

MisterH wrote:
Sat Feb 12, 2022 5:58 pm
On my car that blank under the glovebox has a removeable shroud which reveals some extra fuses as far as I can see and is handy for looking down when replacing the CEM, other than that, it doesn't really serve a purpose
The shrouding is the rear pipework for when there is a vent there.

When I am next outside I'll take a photo of the vent in place for you.

David
Current: 1994 480 GT, 1996 460 CD & 1997 440 LE with lots of optional extras & 2007 V50 SE Sport
Previous: Celebration 331 (re-homed with Richard S), Celebration 467 (returned to Martin Mc); Celebration 346 (re-homed with Alan480); Celebration 269 (scrapped abandoned project), Celebration 73 (sold on after 6 years), 1992 ES, 1988 ES - and numerous other non-480 Volvos!

User avatar
dragonflyjewels
480 Is my middle name
Posts: 1584
Joined: Sat Dec 18, 2010 10:38 am
Location: Norfolk

Re: mystery blanks

Post by dragonflyjewels » Sat Feb 12, 2022 7:35 pm

The mystery switch was indeed for the central locking - it's a legal requirement in America and overrides the door release - you have to press the switch first before the car will unlock and it has to be in the centre consol. Our Saab has the same thing - we've had it a couple of years now and still haven't got used to the door handles not working until the switch is pressed. Just to add to the frustration it's difficult to find in the dark - maybe it should light up but has a blown bulb.
Sylvia

Snazzy - 1993 Paris Blue ES red dipstick 2.0i bought 2001
Lethal Lily - 1991 White Turbo
Paris the Unicorn - 1991 Paris Edition
hubby has
Sven - 1994 Racing Green GT
Evil Eva - 1992 Paris Blue Turbo

no previous 480s - can't bear to sell any

Post Reply