I've installed two alternators in two weeks, and car continues to stall with lights/radio/seat heater on. Limped home this morning after turning everything off. Late for work. Really frustrated now. The only thing that I can think of is that when my buddy and I removed the pulley from the original alternator, we noticed that there is a slot, or keyway on that shaft. There was no "key". Should there be one in there?

I do love my Volvo and this is the first time that I've had trouble. The odometer hasn't worked for years, but it has well over 250,000 miles for sure

Thanks for your input

Thanks for your input, folks. I've found a loose connection on the positive terminal to the rear of the alternator. Seems to be charging properly now. I'll continue to monitor the charging system -- hopefully y'all won't hear much from me for awhile...

Are you sure the problem is with the alternator? I had a low voltage issue on my '93 240 which turned out to be a wiring harness issue. The 6 gauge wire from the alternator to the starter was almost completely worn through!

Another alt.replacement gone awry. shocker

Yes there should be a key.
--
Bruce S. near D.C.

You can check to see if the pulley is loose by drawing a line across the pulley, nut, and shaft with a Sharpie. Run the engine a little and see if everything still lines up. That would be an easy fix.

If it were my car, I would start with charging the battery. Then start the car and check the voltage at the battery. Turn on your lights heater blower, radio, etc and check it again. A fully charged battery should be at 12.5-12.8V. With the car running you should see 13.5-14.5V.

Some 'rebuilt' alternators are checked, cleaned, and placed in a new box. Unless the bearings are bad, it is usually the brushes that were out. They are very easy to replace on a Volvo.

Greg

Thanks, Greg, I'll do that when I get home, and repost here to let ya' know if it has been corrected.