Having a strange problem with my volvo, seems to be voltage related, as battery has spilled sulfuric acid through its overflow port. It seems that whenever the car is running at high RPMs UNDER LOAD (ie. while moving), the headlights brightened, the directionals speed up, etc. What could be causing this? The voltage regulator, alternator, or computer? Any ideas?

 

Check with a meter and see what it is charging at idle.

First check at the battery.
Then check the Big wire at the Alt.
Then see how much of a difference there is.

If it is alot check in the wire before the Terminal at the battery and see if it is higher than the battery. If it is then the terminal migth just be bad.

 

I can't see the computer doing anything to cause yopur problems, I'd be almost sure your problem lies in your alternator, which would contain the regulator/rectifier(someone may need to back me up on that because I never had a volvo alt apart *yet* but I'd assume it's same as any other)

If symptoms change with RPM's, it's almost gauranteed that the problem lies the switching of the 3~ AC voltage to the 14V DC voltage, letting it spike putting too much voltage in your system, I would take care of this ASAP and maybe go to a good auto electric shop for a test and most likely a new Alternator

-Mike

 

Just tested the readings with a volt meter in the cigarette lighter. The voltage got as high as 18.9 volts when the engine was being driven.

 

stop driving, hahaha, get another altenator, all ya wanna do now is blow caps and stuff in computers and all that pricey electronic jazz

 

Do the test like I explained above and give me the readings.