Hello, this is my first post on this forum. Hopefully it has not been asked yet but this problem is urgent.

I have a 1986 Volvo 240 dl and it won't continue running. I have had the alternator tested and it's good but after 're installing it the car still won't continue running after a jump. I have added another lead from the battery to the alternator and checked the other two batteries. Does anyone know what I should do to figure out why it isn't charging? Also the belts are tight so they aren't the problem. Should I just go and get a new alternator or should I replace all of the wiring? Any help would be great I'm super frustrated

Thanks

 

if the batt has a drain, disconnect starter wires and check volts. if they dont drop after wire remover, replace starter. if there is no drain, EnSuRe the belts are as tight as possible. after you check these, there should be a small red wire coming from the alt to the idiot light inside dash. when key is on (engine not running) you should have the batt light on. with key on, check the volts at the peg on the alt, you should have somewhere between 12 and 14 if the wire is working propertly. if not, start the car (if possible) if the light dosent go out, you have an electrical problem somewhere in the wiring field. if it does, and you are reading more than 12 volts at small peg, then check the regulator. there shouyld be on on the back of the alt, or one on the driver side of the car. small silver box, with 2 sets of wires going into it. this is one of the last things i could think, for it's what happened to me. theres not a grand way to have it tested, except to replace it. my 86 had the same problem as to it wouldnt charge. i replaced all wires and alternator and still no avail, but the regulator i just recently replaced and its charging at 14.3. if none of this works, man i have no clue. check the AUX fuses too.