I have a 1997 960. I was told that if you enter the wrong code three times, the radio will stay off for 24 hours. Also, the radio just needs to be in the car with a good battery. A timer in the radio will kick in after 24 hours and give you another chance to enter the correct code.

Just a guess, but it looks to me like the hose that goes up to the hood for the window washer jet that the window washer fluid comes out of.

If your radio shows CODE, then you need to go to your local Volvo dealer. He will look up your VIN number in his computer and give you a 4 digit code. You punch in the code number and your radio will be back to normal.

This is done as a theft deterrent so that if some steals your radio, it will be ...

I also have a 1997 960 and the radio locked up after my battery died. If you enter the wrong code more than 3 times, the radio will lock up for 24 hours!
My dealer went off the VIN number to get the code, but my car had a radio upgrade so the code was wrong. They had to pull the radio out (a very ...

This, IMHO, is a "moisture in the distributor" problem!
There should be a rubber seal beneath the distributor cap that keeps moisture (and dust etc) out. If there is a tiny bit of moisture inside the distributor cap, the engine WILL NOT start.
This can be tested easily during one of the times that ...

O.K.
Having the timing marks 45 degrees off will not help you.
You should be able to put a wrench on one of the nuts holding the flywheel to turn the crankshaft to line up the timing marks (crank turns clockwise when standing in front of the car).
You may want to have your wife crank the engine for ...

Glad to help!
I cringed when I heard you describe the sounds your engine made.
Did your pulleys have all of their ball bearings in them or (as I suspect) there were more than a few missing??

If you change the belt yourself make CERTAIN that all 3 timing marks line up before you crank the engine ...

On the 960 there is a single bolt to remove the timing belt cover. It is located in the center of the cover about 6 inches from the top. Take out that bolt and that will give you visual access to the pulley and tensioner.
Take a good look at the pulley! They have been known go bad.
My engine only ...

I am a mechanic ... Had massive problems stemming from the hall sending unit in the distributor. It failed while driving and shut down the ignition system going about 50 mph, destroyed my timing belt (needed replacing anyway) and blew up some minor electrical components.

This is the first Volvo I ...

Hi Platinum

I did get the head off my engine and it was chewed up to say the least!
I posted some pictures on my website - they're pretty gruesome!!

http://cosmiclobster.com/car.html