reference threads:
1: [URL]http://www.brickboard.com/RWD/index.htm?id=968387[/URL]
2: [URL]http://www.brickboard.com/RWD/index.htm?id=968839[/URL]

The problem with the wagon was indeed the voltage regulator/brush assembly.

On Monday morning, I visited my Volvo mechanic and told him my tale of woe.
He also diagnosed that the problem was the brushes, and sold me a Bosch VR assembly. Last night, I drove the rental car 250 miles back to the beach.

This morning, around 8am, I went to the shop where my Volvo is parked, and
I make the swap. Simple. The mechanics thought it was funny, I show up three
days later with a part (they wanted to replace the alternator) and I fix my
wagon myself, in their parking lot. At least they let me wash up in their sink!

You should know, I have only the most basic knowledge of auto mechanics.
I've got some tools and some repair manuals, and I've been tinkering on my
two Volvos for only a couple of years. Granted, this particular repair was
very simple, but I had no idea what I was doing until early this morning.

p.s.
That tip about needing a small mirror... great! I never would have thought
of that. I would have been groping around blindly without that.