Hi
I have a really screwy situation going on with my 97 850 small turbo AWD.
In a nutshell the alternator does not cut in and supply power until about 3-5 minutes after the car has started. How weird is that. It is not a battery as I borrowed my sons battery from his v70 and the same thing happens.
Details
I have good battery voltage before I start the car. I start the car and battery voltage drops to about 11.9 and sits there for 3-4 minutes and then BING it jumps to a charging voltage of about 13.8 v.
If I stop the car, the same cycle will repeat itself.
Is it the alternator/regulator?

Thanks for any explanations on what is causing this behavior in advance.
Jim

 

Hi Jim, what are you using to measure monitor the system? Are the warning lights in the dash on while the alternator is OFF?

the regulator is built into the alternator.

 

I would make sure all of the cable connections are CLEAN and SECURE.

 

I am using a digital voltmeter to monitor voltages. The main connector connection is clean and tight. There is however a bundle of wires that are crimped on then go to the main connector, but I don't know how I would clean out that bundle.
here is a pic. Txs for your help.
Oh... no dash lights come up however the rec and ac lights of the climate controls flash for a while. Then it goes back to normal with just the rec light on....strange.
I think these lights flash on a low voltage condition...? maybe?

 

I would measure the voltage output at the alternator. Make sure those connections are clean as well. I would actually take all of the connections apart and clean between the wires, etc where they bolt together. Then spray them or whatever you do to protect them from moisture.

These cars have issues with power wires, some have to replace the entire supply cables.

The lights on the climate control flashing is putting you on notice that there is a fault in THAT system. Maybe a bad switch, low pressure, bad thermostat, etc. You have to have that system read and repaired. There are actually little fan temperature sensors near the hand grips at the roof which go bad and cause those lights to flash. Mine when bad and it was causing my system to think the car was hot, making the system to run the ac colder and colder, it was freezing me out.

 

Life is good, and sometimes even I get lucky. When I started looking at removing the alternator I noticed that the 12V red/white wire was not connected. Just had to plug it in.
Yippee, I get to full voltage now in about 3-4 seconds instead of 3-4 minutes.
I will PM you to get a serpentine removal tool, so i will be ready the next time. Thanks for your help...

 

Woo hoo!!! Glad you found that loose wire.