Hi All,
Looks like the alternator went bad in my '12 XC60, do you guys have any tips and tricks regarding changing one out? Does anyone know how to check what voltage mine is (I have a meter but I don't know much about using it)? Is more voltage better (I'm not going to do anything stereo wise)?

TIA!

 

The AMPERAGE output is usually printed on the alternator.

 

OK so, I put the alternator in a while ago, and I started to get a low battery message when I shut the car off, and the lights would increase with the revs and dim at idle, I'm thinking the battery was dead, but the same things are happening after putting a new battery in! I did double check that I was sent the correct alternator, and the voltage is correct, what do you guys think?

Thanks,

Don

 

Just had my alternator replaced on a C70 by independent shop. Rebuilt BOSCH OEM. $1000

 

Alternators can fail two ways - a component within the voltage regulator (diodes/relays etc) can fail so the alternator doesn't put out the correct volts to maintain a charge or the bearings/brushes/wiring can fail. Before replacing the entire unit, you should check to see if your model/year lists the voltage regulator as a separate, replaceable part and map your diagnosis to the cause (ie generator vs regulator). Unfortunately for me, last alternator I needed to replace was in my VW CC which has the regulator hard wired into the unit. regulator burned a relay and I had to replace the whole unit...