Our ever-faithful Volvo has developed, rather suddenly, a severe automotive cold, or worse.

The car will crank and start, then immediately die as if the idle control valve is stuck. However, if one gives it a bit of throttle the car will continue to sputter, eventually building revs.

This is not a IAC valve problem though, because the car simply cannot make any power or clear its lungs to rev when the throttle is opened. Since the problem first showed up on a very rainy day, I assumed plug wires, cap or rotor, replacing all but the rotor with no change.

Next might be fuel filter, but I've read about the fuel injection fuse holder or Air Mass Meter going bad too. Any suggestions or anectodal experiences?

Many thanks!