Hi Folks,

It's been a while, but it's good to be back!

Anyway, here's my plight. I'm hoping you can help me out with this.

I recently acquired a 2004 Volvo XC70. Save for the usual XC70 issues (angle gear, only runs in FWD), the car has been pretty reliable...until yesterday.

I drove the car from my home in Princeton Junction (NJ) to my church in Cherry Hill. The car handled the drive just fine. No unusual events, tracked well, no odd noises. After services ended, I get into the car, start it up, and am greeted with an orange triangle, along with a message that read "Engine System Service Required". As the only Volvos I've had were 244-series cars, I grabbed the owner's manual to look things up. While the manual was NOT helpful, it DID indicate that the problem - while not severe - should be looked at upon the car's next service.

Fine. I can deal with that. It's a spare car, so it's not going to be driven every day. I'll get it looked at soon.

I continue with my errands. So far, no issues. Car is still driving fine, save for the stupid illuminated orange triangle. About 40 miles into my drive, and after exiting a roundabout, I feel two "bangs" from the car...almost as though the transmission is slamming into gear.

At this point, the "Brake System Failure - Pull Over" message comes on, the ABS, Traction Control Light, and Check Engine light come on. Before I could figure out what to do next, the entire dashboard - save for the radio - goes blank. Speedo, tach, fuel, temp gauge....all dead. Lights are still working (head and tail - no turn signals, no brake lights), sunroof still works, climate control still works, radio still works, but no power windows, seats, or locks.

Since the car was still able to drive under its own power (and since I stupidly don't have a membership to an auto club), I drove the car home - another 40 miles. Save for the fact that I had to use hand signals out of my open sunroof, I didn't experience any driveability issues...but crikey, was that scary.

Anyway...I get home, park the car, and shut it off. The car makes several clicking noises, similar to that of the doors locking and unlocking. I get out of the car, look around the vehicle, and try to restart it. It started....the dash was still dead, and then it turned off. I waited a few moments, started the car again.

This time, the dash worked...kind of. The same messages ran across the message center, along with "SRS Failure".

I guess my question is this....

From my limited knowledge of FWD Volvos, and my limited knowledge of automotive mechanical issues in general, what happened here?

I'm guessing this is a computer issue, but I'm probably wrong.

Assuming that is, I've found replacement computers online, ranging in price from $50 (an online junkyard) to $320 (re-manufactured). The car has 208K miles on it.

Should I buy the computer and have it installed? Or should I dump the car? And is it even the computer to begin with?

Second question....

Can anyone recommend a fair, reputable independent Volvo mechanic in the Central Jersey area? I really don't want to be gouged by the dealership....

Your help is greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

-Steve