No crank , no start, nothing - 1992 245

[cloudwader82]

My 1992 245 wagon was running normally for as long as I owned it, then one day suddenly it started acting hard to start and keep running. When I returned home and parked, I switched it off and it has never cranked or tried to start since. I replaced the starter thinking that might be it, but no luck. Next was the starter switch but again no result. Always the same - no crank, no start. As if there was a dead short in the system that would not complete the circuit. Obviously I tested the battery and connections, and kept it charged, but that was not it either.
Always the same - turn the key, no crank, no start: completely dead. I have checked every wire and connection I can find, but no results. I have worked on this car since I bought it so I'm familiar with it, but this is over the top. What is going on here?

[volvolugnut]

Do you have an electrical schematic to follow? There were many paper copies of Haynes manuals around.
When you switch on ignition, do the dash lights work? Do headlights work. Is there power at the starter terminals?
Also, what is the miles and have you serviced it regularly?
volvolugnut