Since finding this site as well as recently ordering a Bentley manual, which I found out about on this site, I have become more and more emboldened to tackle repairs myself that I would either turn over to my trusted mechanic or let slide if too much $$$ was at stake. This process has also led to my becoming more attached to my brick (and just older Volvos in general).

Although I have no immediate electrical problems (knock on wood), it's beginning to look imminent given the looks of my wiring on close inspection. Today I pulled my first wiring harness out of an '89 at my local PullaPart. By the time I finished, I had freed what I assume is called the engine harness AND the ignition harness. I did this before realizing they are separate animals. I left behind the ignition harness and bought the engine harness ($13).

Now I'm thinking, should I get both? It seems that most of what I read here regarding replacement has to do with the engine harness due to engine heat I presume. If one disintegrates though, isn't a matter of time before they both do? I've also done most of the dismantling on the '89.

Last question, if I do go back for the ignition harness, I'm not sure how to deal with the clusters of wires going through the driver-side firewall. In a replacement, is it best to cut and splice at the firewall? It seems like an enormous can of worms pulling, then reattaching dash wiring. I also hope they are compatible. Appreciate any advice. Thanks ... Jim