2008 V70, 110,000 miles.

Wife called that she had a message like "Charging System Failure" etc.

First reaction was to replace old battery, which I did. Then this happened.

I'm thinking alternator so look online (youtube) to find alternator replacement how-to as it's under the intake manifold and driven by a toothed coupler.

The only video I found was of a 2007 XC70. It showed that the bolt holding the engine-side toothed drive sprocket was loose and the sprocket just spun. He locktited it and all's well.

I'm going to try and spin the alternator with a screwdriver or skewer between the intake runners and see if it's free to spin w/o the engine driving it.

Any other suggestions or caveats? Wife is now driving mom's '04 Town Car or son's '01 Jeep XJ Cherokee (which she likes!)

Thanks,

Erwin
'88 745T 200,000+ miles
'95 855T (My favorite) 200,000+ miles
'01 945T 200,000+ miles
'07 C70 98,000 miles
'08 V70 3.2 )Superb highway muncher) 110,780 miles

Erwin,

This may be no help since I have a 99 V70, but mine does have some sort of a clutch associated with the alternator pulley, so that could be an issue with yours.

My alt is not behind the intake manifold, but I had to replace it recently, and it required removing the power steering pump and reservoir and loosening the AC compressor just to get alt out of the car.

I suggest that it is enough work to replace the alt, that it is likely not to be worth trying to fix it rather than just replacing it with a recon unit. Even on mine, I would not want to do it twice.

Good Luck,
Charley

Thanks Charlie. I confirmed that the coupler and clutch hub were spinning so I'm left with the clutch hub is not turning the alternator, the alternator has or is failing, or voltage regulation isn't happening. I have 11.2v at the battery, all accessories off.

Erwin

Double post. Using my phone.

Erwin

Dadgum engineers! Take a 50 year old proven system and complicate it by regulating the voltage via the ECM. The only way to repair it is to replace it.

I was seriously contemplating ordering a 2020 XC90 and picking it up in Goteborg this summer. But there are too many electrical systems that can and do go wrong. I suppose my dilapidated 1995 855T will have to be my last Volvo.


--
Keeping it running is better than buying new

A man's got to know his limitations - Harry Callahan

My limitation is 98 degree heat, 85% RH. I've turned this over to an indie shop rather than swap an alternator in my driveway.

Good thing too. It's not the alternator, starter or (new) battery. Further diagnostic needed. Hope it isn't the ECM as you mentioned Klaus.

Erwin

I would chalk it up to a loose alternator wire or a dirty contact at the ECM.
--
Keeping it running is better than buying new

I would rather it be a loose sprocket bolt than an ECM in this case. Don't want to think what that would cost for any reprogramming.

Yes, IMO the 1995 855T was one of the best. Certainly the best Volvo I've owned. When the dashboard finally broke almost completely loose and the tranny went out at 200,000 or so, I sold it. So many new parts on that car I almost cried. Headliner, full suspension and mounts (OEM quality), brakes, T belt, water pump, radiator, U-pullit sunroof system, seats, on and on.

Erwin
'88 745T 200,000+ miles
'95 855T (My favorite) 200,000+ miles
'01 945T 200,000+ miles
'07 C70 98,000 miles
'08 V70 3.2 (Superb highway muncher) 110,780 miles