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

[DaveP189]

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.

> Is the #15 Relay swap-able w/ any other so I can do a quick check? Say, maybe the air pump?

> Also, does anybody remember if there's a procedure for by-passing the switch electrics? (I can get the switch part out pretty quickly now.)

It's sitting in my bank's back parking lot, deciding if it's a quick fix or I need to summon roadside assistance and get it home - I promised them I'd have it out today...

[erikv11]

#15 and #16 are the same relay, so if they have never been messed with then yes they are swap-able.

[DaveP189]

I just went over and pulled the "J" relay (recommended above) and 3 of the contacts look blackened where the exit the housing - guessing that's bad Also swapped the #15 and #16 relays, no change.
The "J" relay is listed as as starter relay - would that kill the entire electrical system?

[erikv11]

I do not know if the specs are different but I would try swapping J and 16. Or rather plop 16 into 17. Worst case you cook another relay; these can all be had for cheap at the junkyard. At your own risk but I would give it a shot to get it moving. The pinouts are the same, the 850's had 3 J relays and one of them was the main (i.e. used J for the 15 position equivalent) ...

Also check the positive (B+) cable end where it comes into that fuse box. Is it intact, no blackening there? That is a well known, common problem spot.

[erikv11]

Hang on I will go pull the J from my 98 and see how it behaves.

[erikv11]

With the J pulled, the dash still lights up, radio works etc, just no starter. I'd look carefully at the end of that B+ cable.

[DaveP189]

I just went back and replaced the J relay, gave it a shot and hooked up jumper cables and it started right up. Shut it off, disconnected cables and it started right back up.
So I guess I'm leaning toward the ignition switch (??)

[850 LPT]

That sounds like a good next step. They can cause all sorts of trouble when they go bad, someone mentioned it already. They are not expensive and easy to replace.

[abscate]

Can you get it home? See my thread on root abuse failure on ignition switch, it's worth opening up,and cleaning the points and seeing if that helps

I think there are two styles ...one with pins sticking out of the grey connector directly, and one with a black plastic connector off axis.

[DaveP189]

I drove it a bit today, no issues, like it never happened. But I'm thinking it's a ticking "bomb".
I did notice today that when the key is off/out the time and odo still display - this did not happen when it quit (both LCD displays were completely blank. Not sure if it's the ignition switch now or not...