Sorry for posting without doing a more thorough search. I'm not so good with the phone.

I'm looking at an 850 of unknown year at the moment (probably going to own a fwd.... for those who remember me).

My question is on what I presume is an ignition switch problem.
When turned to the accessory position, everything that should work does. In the run position, nothing works. No start and no pwr to accessories.

Is this a common issue or is there somewhere else to look before I break out the power probe and start digging?

Normally, when the switch goes bad it will not return to the run position. Like you, I would suspect the switch is bad if there are no warning lights - all of them can't be burned out.
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My name is Klaus and I am a V♂lv♂holic

Made the deal.

Thank goodness for whoever invented the power probe. It's priceless when it comes to field work.
Had pwr out in run, but serious voltage drop. Pressed in on the switch as I worked the key (batt disconnected) and got it to eventually put out 11.8v. Drives like a champ.
You could actually feel the switch dragging and still can a little. Just gotta get a new switch.

Thanks again,
Frank

Whose power probe did you use? If there is a pick&pull around, grab a couple of torx drivers and get a used switch and some other less worn parts, like a dimmer switch and a passenger seat bottom to swap with your new car.
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My name is Klaus and I am a V♂lv♂holic

http://www.powerprobe.com/Home.html
A must have for quick work.

Heading to pullapart Saturday with a laundry list. Gotta grab an alt for one of the 744s and a mess of stuff for the non Volvos.

I've seen this a few times..and its ALLWAYS been a corroded solenoid wire going to the starter. the green one! its a pain to get to but its always seem to be it

do a simple test...do the light/radio turn off when you try to crank? if so the switch is good..but the other end of that wire is bad!

my .00034 cents

Actually, I don't know if the accessories would go off in the start position or not. They're not on in the -run- position, but are in the accessory position.

Haven't had a chance to get back and check the car out yet. About to call current owner and see if now is good. I'll keep the start excite wire in mind if there's cause after loss at run is diagnosed.

Thanks,
Frank