Hello. New to forum. Hope you can help.

Wife's 1993 240 SW went dead. Shop said not charging, dash lights all come on dim when started after battery charged. Can brushes be replaced in this model? Is it possible for a DIY to handle this without specialized tools? What tips can you give me. Thanks

 

Go to www.vlvworld.com, (1) click on "740" next to Repair Manual (after scrolling 1/2 way down), (2) then click on "Engine," "2.3 Charger," and "2.3.0 Starter, Battery, Alternator Troubleshooting Guide," (3) then click on "Alternator Charging Fault." This guide has great fundamentals on the alternator and charging circuit, though the alternator may vary from what you or I have.

On some alternators, all you have to do is pull the voltage regulator off with attached brushes. Desolder old, short, or broken brushes and solder new ones on. Be sure to disconnect battery (+ and -) first before working on alternator. On others, you may have to take the whole alternator off and disassemble. Keep good notes and/or take digital photos so you know how to reassemble.

 

Hi. Thanks for reply. It got me to replace the alternator after bench testing. So I installed it, almost. I forgot the "hard to see" ground wire, but drove it around for a day until it died. Then I found the ground, hooked it up, charged the battery and drove around again for a day. And it died again.

Did I fry the new alternator by running it without a ground?

Thanks for patience and help.