Volvo AWD 850 Forum

INDEX FOR 10/2025(CURRENT) INDEX FOR 11/2001 850 INDEX

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Alternators and proper battery selection for 850. 850 1997

posted by someone claiming to be Ken Winston on Sun Jun 29 14:45 CST 2014 [RELATED]

Hi,
Is it ever wise, please, to replace an alternator as part of routine maintenance? In other words, how long can an alternator function properly, mechanically speaking?
Our alternator was replaced in June 2001 and has maybe 45,000 miles on it. Over the winter, our new Duralast Gold battery died, and while I assume it's because we didn't use the car for a week I am wondering about a 14-year-old alternator. The store said the battery's insides were no good, but could not say if it was because the car ruined it: They did say the charging system checked out as working.
On a related note, I noticed that a Group 24F battery (bigger in physical size, with higher CCA and power reserve) will exactly fit the borders of an 850 battery plate:
Is there any harm from using a higher-capacity battery?
Thanks!!!

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Alternators and proper battery selection for 850. 850 1997

posted by someone claiming to be dg on Mon Jun 30 07:22 CST 2014 [RELATED]

I am nearing 600,000 miles on my 94NA. Yes, It has a new motor and transmission but the alternator is origianal. I have replaced the voltage regulator twice. (the brushes are on th regulator) It's a cheap easy fix. I have a duralast 850 amp battery that is 8 or 9 years old anyway. Autozone sells good batteries.

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Alternators and proper battery selection for 850. 850 1997

posted by hf63 on Sat Jul 26 15:40 CST 2014
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last visit: Wed Oct 22 15:19 CST 2014

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I am still driving a 93/ 850 w/ the original alternator.

I went to the next size up on the battery group 48.

I live in the Midwest and thought the bigger size might be better during cold weather.

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Alternators and proper battery selection for 850. 850 1997

posted by KlausC on Sun Jun 29 18:16 CST 2014
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last visit: Fri Oct 24 10:15 CST 2014

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Alternators last a very long time, the brushes do wear down when approaching the 200K mark.

You need to find out the output of the alternator on an idling engine, it should be between 14V and 14.6V. As the brushes wear down, the voltage drops. In your case, with only 41K and a couple/three years, it should not be a problem.

There are a few cases where the voltage regulator fails and the battery gets more than 15V, which then cooks the battery and blows lightbulbs.

Which battery to get? The OEM battery lasts for 6-7 years. Good enough for me. If there is no room for the front clip to hold the battey down, I wouldn't get it.

--
My back feels better when I sit in a Volvo seat

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Alternators and proper battery selection for 850. 850 1997

posted by someone claiming to be Eddie G on Sat Jul 26 08:48 CST 2014 [RELATED]

On my 94 850, the original alternator lasted 200,000. If you do decided to change it do NOT go cheap. It is a PITA job and you don't want to do it again in 6 months. I would go with a rebuilt Bosch. In regards to the battery, I would go to Sam's Club if you have one nearby. They have a good selection of European batteries and a great warranty. Even once the warranty runs out they will still pro rate the battery for you. Good luck.

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