I had an intermittent no-spark problem that wouldn't allow my 245 to start. So I eventually installed a Mallory aftermarket ignition system and completely bypassed the stock ignition system/fuel pump relay. I wired a regular relay into the fuse box so the pumps ran whenever the ignition was on.

Then a guy here in the forum found a used ICU and sold it to me for $20. I installed it and unplugged my Mallory unit, and Presto! It seems to work fine. It hasn't missed a beat. So now I suppose I'll remove my Mallory and sell it on ebay. They go for $100 or so there, and that means I'll only be out about $50.

Funny. I had the original ICU out and took it to a local reputable Volvo shop to see if they could test it in another car, since they have several sitting around there. They said they couldn't test it and told me they had never seen one go bad. I'm thinking about taking my bad one to them so they can't say that anymore. On their advice I installed a new pickup coil, which it didn't need, and wasn't able to drive the car for weeks.

I've only had a Volvo for a few months, and I think I've learned more here than some Volvo mechanics learn in years. Thanks, brickboard.