Hi-

My 1993 850 GLT has electric controls for the drivers seat. The problem is that they do not work any more. I can hear the motor groaning but the seat back stays in a reclined position. I need to get this fixed cause my wife said that if the seat is not fixed she wants to buy a new car and I cannot let that happen.

Is there a way to manually adjust the seat? Or do I have to take the car to a garage?

I believe there is a belt that moves the seat. Yours is probably broken or has slipped off. I think it's an easy fix but they did it when we bought our son his 850 so I wasn't charged for it and it was done when we picked up the car. Wish I could be more help.

Eric,

There is an instruction set on the top of this Volvo 850 Section that you can look into to DIY the seat. And see what the problem is.

Good luck.

Sound like a broken cable or broken connection to the motor or gearing on the opposite end of the cable.

My passenger seat no longer reclines because of this, although you can hear the motor working, just no motion.

Although no exactly the best method (do so at your own decision). I can manually adjust the eat back with a pair of pliers, by pulling back the leather near the bottom of the seat (side facing the outside of the car) and you can manually crank the gears that move the seat back, and it holds its position just fine. It is s alow process though and isnt exactly an easy thing to turn (hence the pliers).

Until I get the cable fixed, this has at least put my passenger seat back into a more proper position.

tech has posted a diy on how to replace and repair the cable. search in the 850 forum. good luck.