I have a 1996 Volvo 850, and twice now (once in rain, once in snow) it has failed to start after being parked. (The first time I was at a service station, in line to have my car inspected!) What happens is that the dashboard lights up, headlights work, etc. but nothing happens when I turn the key in the ignition. I've also noticed that the clock resets on the dash. Both times, I got out of the car, and when I closed the door behind me, the alarm turned on -- I never use the alarm (it is always disactivated), so I wonder whether a malfunction of the alarm could cause the problem with the ignition. Does anyone have any ideas or has anyone solved a problem like this successfully?

last time i experienced something weird like that, i needed a new battery.
regards

About two months passed uneventfully (despite cold weather) between the first jump-start and the second incident... do you think it could still be battery-related?

Thanks for the response.

yes. the various accessories in your car are telling you that they are not getting enough juice. cold weather will drain a weak battery pretty quick. if its due for a change, then change it. your volvo's warning you. you wouldnt want to be stuck on a freezing night in the middle of nowhere with a dead battery.