Hi

I'm new to the forum. I have a '98 Volvo S40 Turbo

I have a problem with the battery and airbag light flashing whilst driving normally. The Car starts frst time every time and performance is normal.

The battery light tends to stay on, when it does, I lose poweron the A/C unit. At first it was rare, it is now becoming a regular thing.
Having searched, I cannot find anything on this exacttopic. I would imagine it would be easily fixed by resetting the dash.

Given that the problem may persist even if I got the battery changed, Thought it best to check

Any advice appreciated

pwhv07

 

Is the Alt charging good?

 

I would imagine that the alnternator charge was good as the Car starts first time every time. The starter motor does not seem sluggish in any way when starting.

Is there any way of easily testing the output of the Alternator to the battery to confirm?

Any help much appreciated.

 

Use a Volt meter with the car running and see what the voltage at the bettery is.
It should be like 14.25 volts.

 

It sounds like the alternator is losing charge. You should see this starting to get worse to the point where your car may not start.

 

Thanks to a for the advice and suggestions.

Had the car checked and the problem occured because the Alternator was shot.

The connecting brushes and the brushes on the shaft of the alternator were very worn.
Not bad as the original alternator had lasted 10 years.

Sure enough, the charge being produced was at reduced rate.
The air bag light warning occured because of the reduced voltage.

If I hadn't got the car looked at the battery would have lost all of its charge.
In it's original state it would have drained the battery evenfurther.

Replacement of the Alternator has resolved the issue and the battery is now charging at full rate.

Thanks again

PWHV07

 

I am having the same symptoms and it appears that my alternator is getting weak. Mind me asking what you paid for your replacement/labor or did you do it yourself?

Thanks in advance.

 

Hi
I had the car looked at in a garage as I wanted to have diagnostic checks done on it to rule out any issues with the air bag and saftey system. No system errors where found.
Due to the complexety of getting to the Altenator the Labour cost was quite high, plus the alternator had to be completely replaced not simply recoditioned. I paid around $850 all up. Parts and Labour.

I have recently taken the car on a long trip and have not had any further issues with it.

Regards
PWHV07