Volvo Repair: smog certification, smog certification, volvo dealer

Question
The check engine light has been on in my 1996 Volvo 850 for five years. The car runs ok but because the light is on it can't pass smog certification. The repair shop said it might need a whole new electrical system because a wire is loose somewhere. The car is not worth this much to me and I want to sell it but can't sell it unregistered and can't register it until it passes smog certification. Any suggestions?

Answer
anything can be fixed i don't thing you need everything new what is you fault code for check engine light  that info  will help me help you best is get the car diagnosed by volvo dealer   if is to expensive for you to be fixed by volvo dealer buy parts after they tell you what is wrong and take it to cheaper shop   .i can give you some help after you give me some more info like what is your fault codes for failed emission testing   you can find sometimes information  on the failed test emission certification  on last page were it say obd 2 fault codes.what state are you in ?