Volvo 850 Made from 1993 to 1997, this Volvo line was available in both a wagon and a sedan, both with were graced with several trim levels.

bad alternator? or too much power drain?

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Old 01-13-2009, 09:52 PM
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Default bad alternator? or too much power drain?

i have a '93 GLT with 328000 miles on it, and i have it pretty loaded up as far as electronic accessories go.
i have some aftermarket driving lights hooked up(55W), a subwoofer and amplifier (600W), as well as a 3 way splitter for the 12V outlet, i have a radar detector, some dash lights, and a CB Radio hooked up to it.

My problem i have, is that when im idling, i can notice that my lights flicker every time there is a bass hit, or if i put in the clutch while cruising, sometimes it will idle way down, and almost stall before catching itself. but with the engine revved above idle, it all seems fine.

would this just be a weak alternator? or am i simply pulling too much power from it?
 
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Old 01-13-2009, 10:05 PM
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Default RE: bad alternator? or too much power drain?

Check Alt output to the battery and just before the terminal at the battery. Maybe the positive terminal is bad.
 
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Old 01-14-2009, 06:08 AM
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Default RE: bad alternator? or too much power drain?

If the battery post is good, your 850 may be tortured with excessive power draw.


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Old 01-14-2009, 08:02 AM
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Default RE: bad alternator? or too much power drain?

I would suspect excessive power draw, but as tech said, check the output to the battery
 
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