Volvo: 1995 850 GLT ABS light, headlight/turn signal/cruise control/gearshift lockup, electrical portion, turn signals

Question
To Mr. Niemi:

Recently when my ABS light has come on, I had had to use the "shiftlock overside" to put the car into gear; the headlights,  and turn signals don't activate, the cruise control doesn't engage, and the dashboard doesn't light up. My brakes still work as before, so I'm thinking this is some kind of electrical problem. Any ideas, and what I should expect from the dealer when I bring it in?

Thanks.

Answer
J.P.,
Yes there is some electrical issue, and that could be as easy as a fuse or as diffcult as a shorted wire. If it is anything other than a fuse, they will have to charge you the shop hourly rate until they find it. You may try to wiggle the ignition key when this happens, as there is also a possibility that the electrical portion of the ignition switch has/is gone bad. By moving the key you may make the switch make the proper contact and find that everything starts to operate.