Hello everyone, I have a 92 Volvo 240 that has me stumped. When I bought the car the brushes on the regulator were shot so went ahead and put a new alternator, ended up putting another in later because I thought that one was bad too and a new battery. Anytime I drive the car (without using headlights) I can drive it for quite a while before the car won’t start. But if I used headlights it may last 10 miles before if I turn the car off it won’t start back. Voltage at the battery I’ve seen 13-15v is this a problem?

 

Do you have 13.5 - 14.5 volts at the battery with the engine running, headlamps on, and the heater fan running? (may have to rev the engine to 1500 rpms)

If not your alternator is not charging enough - That's caused by a bad alternator, or a bad connection somewhere. I Trust the ground wire is connected to the alternator.