I've had my 2000 S70 about 15 months, purchased used, with 125K on it from ASE mechanic.

This issue probably presented longer ago, and I ignored it at first: car would stall and die at stop signs, but would start back up.

More recently (January 2011, I think) in rainy weather it would stall WHILE DRIVING. Just die totally. It seemed it would happen 2x in the first drive of the AM, on my way back from the gym (2.5 miles each way, max). One morning, it stalled in an intersection and I had to be pushed out.

Now it happens almost daily, and takes longer and longer (more battery drain) to start up. This occurrence does NOT trigger the check engine light.

Yesterday, while shifting into R, heard louder than normal noise, and it went into what has been described in other posts as "limp mode" and showed the arrow light, and the check engine light. THRILLED, I drove to mechanic to pull codes, they are saying a Transmission type code (left codes at mech's), and a key (ignition) code - 3rd code is "hey, you have an error code" code.

My guy (not much Volvo exp, could be part of the issue) has replaced the MAF with an aftermarket brand not OEM.
They could not, of course, get car to exhibit what it does only for me.

So, we have aftermarket MAF replacement, and from these posts I've read, it might could be the Throttle Body Control Module - what say you experts?

I paid $5K for the car, based on maintenance/condition, and was really hoping to push it for a few years or at least to 200K - any input welcome!

 

How old is the battery? If it's older than 3 years old, replace it. Then check vacuum lines. I have an 850 and have seen the shift arrow once or twice with the "limp home" mode. I simply reset the code and it has not come back in several months.

BTW, I'm not an expert.

 

you might check the fuel pump relay as well as it is an easy test. all you need is a paper clip with you sometime when it stalls and wont start again.
check out this thread for a description of how to do it.

 

I was about to ask if the S70's have a problem with fuel pump relays as the 850's do but I guess most Volvo's do prior to 2000.

 

Yeah, when I was looking into my problem I found out that my car actually had THE SAME RELAY as the 850 does (same part number and everything) I think they changed it in 99 or 2000. although mine wasn't the problem with the caps going bad (although I changed those as well before i figured out the problem)