Lights flickering, doors unlocked while driving.
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. |
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