Here is a puzzling, long-term, logic-defying problem that seems to plague some 850's, judging from earlier posts. Unfortunately, even after reading scores of posts, I still can't figure out this problem.

Starting in June 2004, the car cut out suddenly and briefly, and then resumed. The radio stopped, the antenna went down, and then everything resumed normal operation. Later, the car shut down and would not start. Later, it started not cranking at all when the key was turned. (In the meantime, it seemed not to shut off while running anymore.)

The lights would come on, but the engine would not crank. In other words, turning the key from the On position to the Start position makes no difference. This happens maybe once every twenty times I go to start it. When it happens, I just keep turning and turning the key. It requires from 5 to 200 cranks. Sometimes I give up at 200.

I took it to the shop maybe 8 times so far. Often, they can’t repeat the symptoms.

Here’s what I tried so far:
• Change gears from P to N, back and forth
• Wiggle the key
• Let car roll a bit
• Turn stuff on and off, like A/C

None of these worked.

I also tried these. Each one seemed to fix the problem, only to have it reappear in two weeks or so:
• Replaced the electric part in the ignition switch
• Replaced the starter
• Replaced the starter again
• Cleaned battery terminals thoroughly
• Replaced the battery

I have not tried these credible fixes that I read about on the Brickboard.com web site, because I read other posts where another victim has tried the fix and found it ineffective:
• Replace the Park-Neutral Position switch (PNP switch)
• Replace the solenoid
• Replace the mechanical part of the ignition switch
• Clean the battery-to-chassis ground connection

Here's one more piece of the puzzle: last time, when it wouldn't crank during about 100 tries, I removed the negative cable briefly, and then re-tried it. It started right up!

I would sure appreciate some help from the Volvo community.