So, if you haven't read my other post (https://volvoforums.com/forum/volvo-...etc-etc-54173/) my 1988 245 manual was having some issues with either battery/alternator/something electric and will not start at the moment. I'm putting my money on the alternator.

So today, I was driving my other volvo around. 1988 244 automatic and suddenly all of the dash warning lights start to flicker, but the car drives fine. The dash warning lights would turn off and then come back on every once in a while. Was getting worse the more I drove the car.

So what are the chances that both cars had no problems like these right before I left on a 3 week vacation, and when I return, both cars seem like the alternators are shot? I've changed the belts on both cars, but they both were fine for weeks before this started to happen. Seems weird. I'll have the alternators tested tomorrow and let everyone know what I find out. Anyone know a good place to get alternators?

 

If these alternators are the type with the replaceable brush/regulator holder, you can simply swap that part out of the alternator.
These symptoms are really common on older Bosch alternators where the brushes have worn down and are making intermittent contact. The charge light ha s probably been momentarily flickering for months, this is a telltale sign.

 

Couple questions for you typhoon. Would a alternator test at local parts store show a bad or a good alternator if it just needs the brushes replaced? And where could I find those brushes (nevermind, found them on FCP)?

I'd like to think that I would notice a flickering charge light for a few months. I've never noticed any lights other than the bulb light on or even flicker, and then suddenly all the lights came on at the same time, but the car continues to run. The warning lights seem to turn on when the car is coming to a stop (low RPMs) and sometimes go away after accelerating from a stop. But they don't come on as a constant light, they flicker (waver in intensity). Don't know if that changes anything. I'll pull the alternator tomorrow and check it out.

 

Yes Typhoon is correct you can check the condition of your brushes and see if this is the issue. They simply unscrew from the back of your alternator. look at the condition of the contacts are they worn down and look like nubs or are they high and look new? Sometimes it's not just the brushes and you need to replace the entire unit. I have always replaced with good used brushes so I cannot say where to get new or if you can? But call these guys they will tell you and they also have a HUGE box of good used brushes and alternators which will save you money. They can also order you new. 206-789-7004 Northern European Auto Recyclers in Seattle, WA. They only sell Volvo parts new and used they have just about anything and everything you can think of for 240's and just about any other Volvo. You can also try eBay or IPD(Volvo Parts, Accessories and Performance Specialist Since 1963) or your local parts store but I would suggest you replace it with OEM Bosch if you are going to replace the entire unit. Good luck and no not uncommon, just like people cars can be healthy one day and then whamo a heart attack the next Hopefully you don't have little mice chewing your wire harness...this happened to my dad's car in Chicago where it is cold in the winter and the little rodents hide in the engine compartments of his cars to stay warm....GOOD LUCK!!

 

thanks volvoguy. I'll let everyone know what happens.

 

Decided to break down and get a rebuilt alternator since the slip rings looked pretty worn, and I didn't have time to order all the parts and figure out how to rebuild myself. Would be a fun project sometime though.

It was indeed the alternator, the car is driving great now, and starts a lot easier as well/doesn't die when I put it in gear. The charging system must have been slowly failing and it has made a bigger than expected difference by putting in a good alternator.

2 new alternators on the cars and I'm hoping they last another 150000 miles.

 

Just wondering if you had any issues after changing the alternator? I had very similar issues and had the battery and the alternator replaced yesterday. This morning the car stopped running with the same exact symptoms prior to the repair. Its back in the shop today awaiting ANOTHER new alternator to arrive. Im wondering if there is a short or some relay or fuse that should be looked at in addition to the alternator and the battery. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

David

 

make sure the battery light comes on in key position 2.

 

Both my cars were good to go after the alternators were chànged.

 

On a corolla I had I replaced the battery and alternator and the car was still losing power, It ended up being a 100 amp Alternator Fuse that was a couple bucks (go figure) but maybe you should check to see if your car has a similar fuse. Hope this helps.