Volvo Repair: 99 Volvo v70 brake issue - brakes stopped working entirely!, volvo v70, brake failure

Question
Hi Roger,
I recently bought a used 99 Volvo v70 and it has been in an accident with the previous owner. As a result of this all or some of the lights on the dashboard keep coming on and off. Mainly the ABS and the 'W' lights. We have reset the computer and it cleared the problem briefly. Recently while driving the lights came on and the brakes totally failed to work, the car automatically downshifted - it seemed like it was only using two cylinders - and I had to use the hand brake in order not to get to an accident. This now happened two times and I'm very worried. Brakes are brand new, I've changed them when I got the car. Please advise how to proceed and what you think is a possible problem.

Answer
Sylvester, common problem on these cars is the ABS control unit.  Failure of that unit means you have no ABS not total brake failure.  The W light may be a pnp switch problem.  Not sure who scanned the car for you but I suggest a Volvo shop help you with this one.  Tests would need to be run.  Roger