the glove box won't open

Sounds like the latch is stuck, or perhaps the prev. owner had the keys changed for the door locks or ignition but does not have them keyed to to the glove box. Suggest having a dealership cut a key by your VIN number and see if that opens the glove box. There isn't any other button for it.

try this.... only if you want to buy a new glove box door. http://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/glovebox_fix_850.php

Go to http://volvospeed.com/vs_forum/index.php?showtopic=116799 they are currently selling a glove box door. You can take the old one off and then spend 20 bucks on a new one and then make it so it wont ever get stuck again! Hope this helps you out.

the mechanism that triggers the latch broke, you need to carefully saw open the latch and replacr the latch mechanism. ive done it and its a PITA

Jack has it right...I used a hack saw and very carefully cut the latch...took 10 mins...bought a new latch...installed in 5...but it's a bit of a PITA...

the insides of the latch/ mechanism break. this is very common with the 850s. you can pop out the pins in the hinges without breaking anything and then carefully open the latch from the inside/ bottom.with the lid on the bench replace the latch.