Volvo RWD 200 Forum

INDEX FOR 10/2025(CURRENT) INDEX FOR 5/2019 200 INDEX

[<<]  [>>]


THREADED THREADED EXPANDED FLAT PRINT ALL
MESSAGES IN THIS THREAD




  REPLY TO THIS MESSAGE    PRINT   SAVE 

No dash Lights/Charge 200 1992

I've had this issue now for a few years and I just haven't gotten around to dealing with it. Basically, I don't have dash lights except for "check engine", "SRS" and "oil". Sometimes I don't even see those three. The car starts every time, but my 52mm volt gauge shows no charging (it stays in orange zone) until I rev the engine up over 2800/3000 RPM, and then the volt gauge needle jumps to 12 o'clock. I've checked the fuses, I've checked the brushes on the alternator -both good. I've re-routed the little red wire to/from the alternator around the passenger fender and up to the gray connector on the fire wall. The battery is old but still starts the car. Could it be something in the cluster? I remember checking the charging warning lamp bulb last summer when I still had this problem and the bulb looked fine. I replaced it anyway with tested known good bulbs and still no change. I can drive the car as is, like I have been now for a long time. But it's annoying and I'd like to sort it out, especially if it's a quick fix that I've missed. Thanks!








  •   REPLY TO THIS MESSAGE    PRINT   SAVE 

    No dash Lights/Charge 200 1992

    when the car is idling in the driveway if you place a voltmeter across both terminals on the battery with voltage set to 20DC what is the reading?

    if you goose the throttle on the intake with your hand what is the reading?

    clearly its charging enough to start the car every morning and run headlights.

    my first instinct is your voltage regulator is malfunctioning, (diode).








  •   REPLY TO THIS MESSAGE    PRINT   SAVE 

    No dash Lights/Charge 200 1992

    I noticed that you failed to mention anything about a ground wire from the housing of the alternator to the engine block.

    You might want to check that out as the feed from the cluster needs a good ground for the "wee bit" of current the alternator needs "excite" itself into working at lower RPM's at startup.

    The alternator is mounted on rubber bushings as so is the adjustment bracket.
    That wire is a common problem too!

    Phil







<< < > >>



©Jarrod Stenberg 1997-2022. All material except where indicated.


All participants agree to these terms.

Brickboard.com is not affiliated with nor sponsored by AB Volvo, Volvo Car Corporation, Volvo Cars of North America, Inc. or Ford Motor Company. Brickboard.com is a Volvo owner/enthusiast site, similar to a club, and does not intend to pose as an official Volvo site. The official Volvo site can be found here.