Electrical problems
 

I bought an 1996 850 wagon about a week ago. A couple days after getting it home it started displaying a variety of odd electrical problems. Some background information:

• the previous owner installed an aftermarket radio/CD player
• the ignition switch needs to be turned back slightly after starting the car to get the automatic transmission to shift into gear
• the #15 fuse (various interior lights, seat belt reminder, OBD II port, etc.) is blown. If you replace it, it works so long as you don't sit in the driver's seat.

Tonight I experienced some new trouble. Turn the ignition key and the warning lights start blinking but the car won't start. Disconnect battery, reconnect, and the car will start. Also, occasionally the driver's window doesn't work unless the rubber connector between the door and body is massaged. Ditto for the power lock from the driver's side. I'm assuming there's some chaffing in that bundle of wires that needs correcting. Also figure I'll pull the relay that controls the seat belt reminder and see if that solves my #15 fuse problem. And I'll try yanking the radio to see if that may be the root of some of these problems.

But if any old experienced hand has an idea for the blinking light/won't start problem, or a better idea for any of the rest of the above, I'd love to hear it. Thanks.