Tim!
I didn't expect a reply from someone so close. (At least in Canadian terms, anyway). Perfect simulation conditions for my problem though....Bitterly cold conditions that make you wonder why you 're getting into a vehicle in the first place....

Yeah, anyways, ISN'T THAT CAR THING A PAIN IN THE ASS???

I fear that all winter long I'll have this sub-concious "volvo dilemma" lodged in my brain. At least that's the way it ws last year. My wiring harness suffered some twings and twangs when I re-did the cyl. head last christmas, after my factory rad peeled apart on the way to the beach, instantly warping my aluminim head.....and you know those harnesses weren't the best in the first place............sound familiar?

Anyways, it was a lot of fun moving that wagon - shaped box from one dilemma to the next. At least I could understand it.

I followed Don's advice on the IAC last winter, but you've reminded me that one of the 3 blades on the connector was not 100% attached..check that. The O2 sensor appears to work on the principle of ''disconnect it and see if it makes a difference" , so I'll rule it out.
The dizzy cap is getting replaced tomorrow (only $40 bucks new!) and the rotor is 6 months old. That is, if the car starts to get me to the cap...we'll see! Thanks for the reminderTim, appreciate the reply, Josh