Soldering, General: Notes

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2004 Volvo S40, 2003 Volvo S40, 2002 Volvo S40, 2001 Volvo S40, and 2000 Volvo S40. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Soldering is a relatively easy method to apply to cable terminals. No expensive equipment is required and the core area dimension is not a critical factor.

The disadvantages with soldering are uneven results and that impurities and dirt on the contact points make it more difficult to get a clean soldered connection.

To ensure a good contact the soldering point must be free from dirt, oxidized metal, grease, paint etc.

NOTE: Avoid soldering connections that carry a high power load.

Soldered connection quality

Choice of solder wire, flux and soldering tool as well as the location and method used affect the overall quality of a soldered connection.

Ensure that solder does not creep too far up the cable when soldering a terminal on to a cable, as there is a risk the cable can become brittle and break.

Soldering tool

There are different types of soldering tool. Usually a soldering iron with temperature control is used so that the temperature created on the soldering iron tip can be adjusted.

Soldering wire

It is important to use soldering wire with a high quality non-corrosive flux. Use 50-50 or 60-40 rosin core solder.

Do NOT use acid flux solder (e. g. plumbing solder) as this will cause oxidization.

When to solder

If a terminal has been crimped using a tool not intended for terminal crimping then the cable terminal must be soldered.

To avoid soldering

CAUTION: Soldering cable terminals can be avoided by always making a point of using only Volvo special tools for terminal crimping or other tool recommended by Volvo.

See Repair kit, p/n 9814235 , Cable Terminals box, p/n 9814232 , Cable Terminals Kit, p/n 9814233 , Cable Terminals Kit, p/n 9814234 , Special tools, in repair kit p/n 9814235 and Other tools .