I have a 2008 C70 convertable with a 6 speed manual transmission with 40,000 miles. I am recovering from a back injury and had to drive 3 hours to a doctor. I live in a small town and never need to drive very far. On the way home in the dark the headlights starting flickering, the the doors unlocked themselves. When I lowered the window, the radio station stopped for a second or when I stepped on the brake the headlights would dim. No dash lights came on the say I had any problems.
I have not been able to get out to my workshop due to my back. The car still has the Volvo battery.
I want to check around a bit before I HAVE to take it to the repair shop....ANY SUGGESTIONS were to start.

Thank you in advance for any help Cb

 

My gut says it is the alternator causing the symptoms. Low voltage can cause all of that to happen. When the car is running the alternator should provide plenty (13.2-14v) of voltage to run things properly. Your battery may be low and need to be charged but I bet is fine and not the cause.

Two quick ways to check the alternator is: 1) Hold a screwdriver or something else that's metallic near the alternator with the engine running (be careful). The magnetic field should pull the screwdriver like a magnet. 2) Check the voltage with a voltmeter at the battery with the engine running. It should read at least 12v. Or you can bring it to a shop to have it tested.

Alternators can be rebuilt fairly cheaply. Beats the hundreds of dollars Volvo wants for a new one.