Hi Brickboarders (BB),

My name is cherronb and I am new registered member w/ BB. I own a 1990 Volvo 740 turbo. I am glad to be here and join a community over the intenet that has Volvos as their common interest.

I purchased my Volvo this past November. I had a number of repairs such as my belts needing to be changed, brake pads and rotors, a new raditor, and several other basic mechanical repairs done. I know you all saying, man, he is being "nickled" and "dimmed. Actually I am not being drain of every cent because my relative is a Volvo mechanic by trade and he has done 1/2 of my repairs mentioned, incl oil changes, etc. "However, this new mechanical/electrical problem I am having has me wanting to give up on my Volvo. However, I am not, this why I am emailing all that may have experienced this same problem.

Problem: recently, my battery almost died when it was raining. However, I turned my hazards on and it save some of my battery life to get home. At first, I have had the alternator changed and my battery is brand new. I purchased the battery before I had the alternator changed. Now, when I have the a/c and my lights on, my battery indicator goes does as if my battery is about to die and my engine begins to shake. But when I give it some gas, the indicated goes back up to 16. When I release the gas pedal, it goes back down. What is this all about? It is an electrical problem or something that my mechanic, not my relative missed.

You should check the voltage with a meter to see that it is staying at 13-14.5 V when the engine's running. IF not (sounds like NOT) it may be idling too slow. There's no speed adjustment in this car, so, everything has to be clean and tight for it to work right. The AC is supposed to cause the idle to bump up when it's activated. There's an input to the engine computer.... but it might not work well if you have a vacuum leak, or a really dirty throttle body.
The throttle body cleaning requires just a $1 gasket and a can of carburetor cleaner or Brakleen. Common tools, a scrwedriver and a 13mm wrench to remove. Also, all the breather lines should be checked for plugging, and the idle motor (IAC) may need to be removed and cleaned.
Also, inspect closely the big rubber air hoses from turbo to intercooler, intercooler to intake. Any holes- replace 'em. They get rotten from oil attacking the rubber.

Welcome to the Brickboard. Stay a while and become part of the community. And read the 700/900 FAQ under "Features." It'll be your best friend.
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Rob Bareiss, New London CT ::: '86 244DL- 215K, 87 244DL- 230K, 88 744GLE- 198K, 91 244 180K

Thanks Aye Roll.

Yes. My car was idling very low. My mechanic replaced the throttle body piece and hosed out all the residue inside.

I reside along the east coast and it has been very hot the past two weeks. It was right on time to have throttle piece replaced.

Thanks again.

Cherronb

Rob,

Thanks for that information I have not even no knowledge of in fixing the Volvo. Last but not least, I thought it might have been the compressor, but the compressor seems to be turning fine. You do not have to reply, I am just thanking you for the vital information.

Thanks.

Cherron

One simple thing to check is the alternator belt tension.
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'61 122s B16, '67 122s B18, '76 245 B21F, '81 245 B23E, '90 745 B234, '95 960 B6304 (not counting parts cars)