guys l was driving on the high way and all of a sudden my dash light just came on but my car didnt shut off.it was still running.what could have triggered the lights to turn on?here is a pic of it.first of all all the warning lights came on,and went off as l drove.coolant, everything was fine.

 

Go to autozone or whatever your FLAPS is, and have your alternator and battery checked.

 

l just got a new battery.could a faulty alternator cause this problem?

 

Yes. It certainly can. This kind of problem is almost always due to a faulty alternator or voltage regulator.

Here is a self testing procedure from Volvo. Otherwise take it AZ as I mentioned earlier and have them test it. If I was to take a stab, I'd say the regulator on the back of the alternator is what's giving you this quirky problem. Probably surging at times. Like I said, I'm just taking a stab. Grab your multi meter and give it the once over. If I can be of further help, just let me know.

http://www.volvoclub.org.uk/tech/ser...dRegulator.pdf

 

thank you very much.went to work and tried to start it.it starts fine but the lights get dim.meaning its running off the battery and the alternator is not charging it.the rmp drops and shuts off.after a few minutes of waiting it starts fine and the lights dims again.will l have to change the altenator and see if that solves this problem.thank you

 

Not a problem slim. Glad I was able to help you out. While it sucks you need to replace it, at least it gave you advance warning. Hopefully, you have a u-pull it junkyard in your area and will be able to snag on for $20 or so.

 

Sorry I just reread your post. Are you asking if you need to replace it, to see if it solves the issue? If thats what you meant, go get it tested. (It's free) I'm assuming your belt is in good condition, has proper tension and is spinning the alternator. If it is, then yeah, it's going bad. Now exactly what part of the alternator is going, you would have to test it. See the link in my other post. Might be worn brushes or it could be that your regulator is going bad like I first thought. Now you could just replace the regulator, but that would probably run you a 1/3 of a new alternator, and you could still have to deal with replacing worn brushes down the road. (Or vice versa) If it were me , I'd just get one from a junkyard. (U-pull its in my area charge $15-$20. Other yards where you don't pull it charge $25-$35. In the meantime, make sure you carry jumper cables and don't drive too far away from home.

 

l am gettng a used altenator from the junk yard.dont have that money to get a new one.l remember spilling oil on my alternator and l think that messed it up.l will replace the alternator.you were right 058ovlov its the alternator.it will start fine then die after some minutes cuz its running from the battery but the alternator is not charging it

 

l installed my alternator today.the warning light went off now. let me ask,does alternators contribute to a cars gas mileage? it kind of looks like my gas mileage has increased.l had a lil bit of bad gas mileage with my old alternator on.was it cuz it wasnt supplying the right amount of power???

 

Who knows, count your blessings.