I have a sweet 1976 265 with about 90k miles. I drive it almost daily, but I have a reoccurring problem with a few of the idiot lights.
On the dash, sometimes very dimly, sometimes very brightly, and sometimes not at all, four of the warning lights will illuminate (charging, brake failure, parking brake & EGR)
About 1 year ago I had a similar issue and I changed the voltage regulator. That fixed it for a few months, then the lights started occasionally glowing again. Voltage from the alternator, as I recall, is a bit low, but it never fails to charge my battery. I did replace the battery and starter last year (as well as the external voltage regulator). It still has the marcels alternator. In the wiring diagram I did notice a voltage stabilizer around the dash lights???? Also, the yellow warning light for a burnt out bulb stayed on (though all the lights were fine). I eventually just pulled the bulb on that one.
Any suggestions appreciated!

back when i was at the dealer when your 76 was new, we changed those marchals like everyone should change underwear. get a bosch setup off an 81-87 b27/28. i don't know what would a b280 setup would be. i later learned from THE guy at volvo na why the marchals were used and then terminated. good luck, chuck.

Hi,


I changed out my alternator on my 1977 264 GL Conversion with a junkyard Denso 100 amp unit. The engine is a B23F and the alternator fit well with very little modification. The alternator lights were not on, but the battery often became discharged.

I'd say that you may have intermittent grounding contact on the D+ wire. You should check that it is firmly attached and not contacting the chassis.

You should eliminate the external voltage regulator and install brushes with the regulator built in, if possible.


Goatman