We had a '94 944 n/a since new within the family, now under my name. It's been very reliable, never stranded anyone, with annoying yet minor problems here and there (plus the AC, which I don't put in the minor category).

My brother drove it home without any warning or indication (so I'm told), it was parked for maybe an hour. When it was started again, the engine didn't sound right, couldn't shift out of park, ABS/SRS warning lights were on, none of the lights would work in 'ON' position (even though they work in other settings).
Using the 'unlock' key, I managed to shift into other gears, and in neutral, it made a very horrible screeching sound. Looking under the hood, one of the pulleys for the accessory belt had seized. I live in MA, so it's been cold for a while, in single digits to highs of 20's for over a week now.

It was disconcerting because I thought it was the car that'd bring us to 200k miles (currently at ~120) without stranding anyone. Everyone was home, so it was the best place to get stranded, but had to call for a tow truck.

My questions are :
- What is a 'seized pulley' exactly? I mean, I know it stops turning, but what causes that? Are there bearings? I thought it was the belt that turned the 'slave' pulleys.
- How common is it to have the pulley seize on you like this on Volvos? Other car makers? More prone in cold weather?
- Is there a way to somehow get it to seize more easily by driving/parking/turning off a certain way? I ask this 'cause my brother car, '96 SAAB 900 had the exact same problem a few days ago (seized pulley noticed upon restarting after an evening class), and he was actually on his way to pick it up after getting it fixed. I was joking to him that I now ban him from driving none of my cars until he drives out the demons in himself. Maybe he was a poor car mechanic in his former life.

What I think is somewhat funny is that the cars we have in the family ('96 855t, '96 964, '93 944, and '97 SAAB 900SE) are taking turns to break down on us, but only one at a time, and they have completed the cycle and starting over. One notable absence in the conspiracy is '94 Nissan Maxima, which I almost sold last year to get the 855t.

Two separate, coincidental problems I think.
First, I think the ignition key is sticking.
This happens to all Volvos eventually. 7 and 9 series seem especially prone.
First, try turning the key back a little, away from the "start" position. see if everything is normal again. IF so, try to figure if it's going to stick regularly, and you can shoot a little WD40 or PB Blaster into the key hole- this will help a little but not entirely solve the problem.
Sometimes just having too much STUFF on the keychain is enough to overcome the little spring in there, and the lock won't return to the "RUN" position.
The next step with that is to replace the contact part of the ignition switch. This sounds horrible, especially when I tell you that you've got to go to the dealer for a switch (or a good online parts place that sells genuine VOlvo parts). But it's not that big of a job and I think the switch is about $29 Volvo list price.

For the other problem- as the others said, sure does sound like the A/C compressor decided to seize up. Probably going to need a new compressor. Possibly will stop screeching if you turn the heat control away from Defrost or any other position which engages the AC. I do believe the 940 has a belt exclusively for driving the A/C so it can either be removed nicely or simply cut off with a knife until you have a chance to fix this completely.

Good luck with it!
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Rob Bareiss, New London CT ::: '87 244DL/M47- 225K, 88 744GLE- 209K, 91 244 183K. Also responsible for the care and feeding of: 88 745GLE, 229K, 88 244GL, 146K, 87 244DL, 235K, 88 245DL, 236K

So, my indy couldn't figure out what was wrong - no earlier said symptoms at all.

He said it'd have to be the key stuck in start position, and that'd explain all the symptoms. The only thing he recommended was a new bushing for the transmission at the next visit.

So, I paid for the tow for nothing, but learned something new. Another good part is, my indy charged me nothing! It it were at the dealer, I would've had to pay at least $50 for their time.

Thanks everyone for the help.

which pulley?

Don't know the name - looking down after opening the hood, it's the lower right hand corner (driver's side).

That's the air conditioning compressor pulley. Since it's solid, the bearing inside the compressor clutch is gone.

I believe your car has a dedicated belt for the AC compressor. You should be able to just remove the belt until its time to fix the AC.
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David Hunter