Ann,

I experienced the same thing (less the alarm) shortly after buying my '96 used two years ago. The problem was the starter, but it only occurred during cold weather. The starter was not bad or excessively worn, but the solenoid plunger lubricant had dried out causing it to stick and preventing the switch from reengaging the starting circuit. I removed the starter, disassembled the solenoid, cleaned and relubricated it and it's been fine ever since. The problem here is that if you have to rely on a mechanic, it may be cheaper to replace the starter than to have them do as I describe here. Check it out. Good luck.

Ron

When my starter went I was having intermittent no starts. I had previously had the wierd electrical problems caused a by dirty ground connection (doors locking and unlocking, radio needing to have the code re-entered, tack jumping...). I had my starter rebuilt at an independant electrical shop for $200 installed. A rebuilt starter may cost more than double that at the dealer or other mechanic. First clean the connections and battery terminals as someone suggested. There is a ground in front of the battery on the body.

Try unlocking your drivers door with the key rather than the remote this will shut off the alarm untill you use the remote again.

it sounds like the alarm. the alarm if not working right might think it is not unlocked and when you go to start it it sets itself. if each day you open the car with the remote it sounds like a alarm problem.

I understand your lack of trust towards mechanics but without auto knowledge you'll need to find one that you can trust. Word of mouth is best if you don't want to trust a local dealership.

I'd still suspect a battery connection problem to begin with being that it's a recent problem. It's poosible that the terminals or connected wires there are not as clean, tight as they should be.

Other than that, there's several other possibities such as PNP switch, ignition switch, starter relay or related wiring. You can try moving the shifter between P and N if it re-occurs as that might allow it to start if it's a bad PNP switch. I'd also look at the small "S" wire at the starter solenoid (small single plug under cover) as it could just be a bad connection. Otherwise you'll need to have it checked by someone who's familiar to auto electronics, preferably a Volvo tech experienced with FWD Volvos.