Ok, so I'm just about home in my 1996 Volvo GLE with a manual trans and 430,000 kms; I've owned it since new. The weather is a mix of rain and snow (oh how I wish Spring would come) and as I brake for the traffic lights as I get off the expressway, all of my dash lights come on except the oil light and and they stay on. The car runs ok. I stop and start it a couple of times and it starts right up and runs fine but the lights stay on. However the blower fan seems not to be as powerful and when I apply the parking brake the warning light gets brighter.

Any ideas and any guesses if it will start in the morning? Better yet will it fix itself overnight?

Cheers and thanks in advance

Wiggle your key a little after starting the car. If all the lights come on then your ignition switch needs replaceing. With your mileage the alternator brushes could very well be worn out. They can be replaced without taking out the alternator. Just remove the end cap assembly.

Good call guys, I was the alternator...

Thanks!

Usually that happend when the alternator is not longer putting out any juice. In your case, I suspect the brushes have worn down to nothing. No need to replace the entire alternator, but the brushes are not replaceable by them selves anymore.
It's late and my brains, what is left of them have already gone too sleep.
It is a lift off piece that gets replaced. Meanwhile, you are running off of your battery. Make sure it is charged! Turn off all electricals, cabin fan, radio, lights, etc. Otherwise you will need a tow and a new battery.

Klaus
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The 164 has a new home, all I am left with are a 95 854T and a 98 V70R :)

Could be your ignition switch needs replacing. It's a DYI item. Check out Volvospeed.com and go to the repair secton in "bay 13"