Oh,oh. If I understand what's going on you've got two different problems. The one we have been talking about is the failure of the starting system to crank the car when it's hot. Now, the car has died while you're driving it. The only thing discussed so far that would cause both these problems (afaik) is a pretty gross failure of the voltage system -- dead battery and poor charging system as very low voltage will stall a running car. Have your mechanic check what B.C. suggested when he gets back.

If you go through the recent message on the board you will find discussions of a bunch of things that will stop a running car or prevent a stopped one from starting even when it cranks. Likely suspects seem to be the 25 amp fuse under the hood near the driver's side fender as well as nastier things like the ECU ("black" box computer that controls the fuel injection). It can also be wiring harness related as this deteriorates on cars of your year-model. I have an 85 wagon with a crappy harness and I'm just hoping that it doesn't go on vacation before I have a chance to fix it -- also hoping I don't mess it up when I get to it.

Again, good luck. $800 for a car as serviceable and long lived as your Volvo can be is a bargain. Just know that any old car (even Mustangs) can develop knotty little problems that have to be sorted out, but they CAN be sorted out.

Understand the poet thing, by the way. Even though I have grease under my nails, I know what a metaphor is.

Harold