My '98 XC Just Died On The Road Topic is solved

[erikv11]

Or could be the infamous fuel pump RELAY.
Search forum for a jump wire between terminals 15 and 87.

Oops read the first post again - definitely not a problem with the fuel pump relay.

[DaveP189]

There is a fusible link that supplies most everything that could have popped. You have to replace/splice that.
You should be able to use the starter bypass to test if the battery is good enough to turn the starter and confirm battery and cables are ok, at least down to starter.
Ignition switch or load relay would be my guidance based on symptoms

That fusible link comment struck a cord. Had the same thing happen to me w/ a GLH Turbo (if I remember correctly, that was in the 80's). Do you know where it's located?

Um - "load relay"?

[DaveP189]

It's not the fuel pump, it didn't sputter to a stop, it Just. Flat. Quit. Instantly.
I just did the fuel pump a month ago.

[abscate]

The fuel pump relay won't take out the other electrical stuff

The electrical part of the ignition switch can cause switch lockup...just broke into one today...

[abscate]

Someone grab the 1998 power wiring diagram off the webs and post here please, so we can talk Dave through this.

( Volvo lets users do this here, but has asked moderators to refrain)

[erikv11]

Pull and re-seat relay # 15 :
http://new.volvocars.com/ownersdocs/199 ... 70_102.htm

Scan the other stuff in there, 1 through 8, while you have it open.

Definitely check the ignition switch carefully, I still it's most likely.

[sleddriver]

Completely dead. Was going along and - Poof! - it quit. No lights, no numbers on the dash displays, even the 4-ways won't come on. So, something electrical, but I have no idea what.
Belt is intact. 2-year old Interstate battery. No warning.
Any ideas, Please?

How cold has it been up there lately?
Is there a lot of salt used on the road?

A faulty ignition SW will take out your windows, dash lights, stereo, climate control, and many other items. However, the emergency flashers should be independent of the Ig. SW. I'd suggest pulling the fuse/relay cover in the engine compartment and having a look at the red multi-cable main power connection there for any signs of overheating, corrosion, green copper oxidation etc. Losing this will take out many, many circuits. Is this cable original?

[sleddriver]

Volvo_Flasher Ckt.JPG (116.62 KiB) Viewed 854 times

[rspi]

The dash would have lite up.

[abscate]

From that diagram it looks like bad battery or ground cable are needed to take out dash lights

Bad ground you can diagnose running a jumper from battery to engine block

Bad battery if that doesn't work.

Bad alternator diodes could be draining battery but you usually get some signs of either life ( weak crank, dim lights) or death ( diodes cooking)