While driving home tonight in my 2000 S40, my car lost ALL power very suddenly. Thankfully this happened in a parking lot NOT the freeway I was on earlier. I'd started the car, pulled out of the parking spot, drove through the parking lot and suddenly the dash lights all flashed, and the care went completely dead. I tried starting it and the dash lights would flash, but no cranking sound or anything.

This was SO SCARY. This car was bought as an upgrade to my old 1984 Volvo.

I called the Volvo dealership and they just said they have no clue what it could be and to tow it in.

Anyone have experience like this with a Volvo? I've driven only Volvos for years and have NEVER had this happen. I'm freaking out.

There aren't many clues to go on. All of the dash lights coming on means the alternator stopped generating and the engine is not running. A battery with less than 10V will not get the starter motor turning, usually a 'click' is all. Less than 9V at the battery and nothing will happen.

My suggestion is to check the wires at the alternator and verify that none of them came loose. Then check the wire from the battery to the starter, ditto. And check the battery voltage.

The key switch might also be at fault. This can easily be checked by measuring the draw at the battery when moving the key to posIII.

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My back feels better when I sit in a Volvo seat

Thank you. They finally got it to duplicate the problem. It's an electrical problem with the ignition, apparently. The sad part is it's not covered under the warranty we paid so much $$$$ on. The ignition switch is, but this is an electrical issue with the switch so we're out of luck and out of $500. I'm so upset.

Car is still at the dealership and they cannot figure it out or replicate it. hellllp.

Anyone have ideas?