Ran the car for 3 straight hours on my return trip home, and as I pulled in the driveway the following display appeared, "EL. POWER SYSTEM SERVICE REQUIRED". Also the red battery on the dash came on.

So I parked the car while it was still running, grabbed my voltimeter and checked the volts while it was running and its only pushing 11.25 volts. I then turned the car off, and let it sit for an hour. Check the battery volts and its about 12.50. Turn the car back on, and the display and battery light are still present. Check the volts while it was running and its at 10.5 and dropping fast. Got down to 9.25 and I got scared and turned the car off.

Does this mean I need a new alternator? Or can I get by with a new voltage regulator? Can the voltage regulator be replaced without removing the alternator? Please any help!

Any help would be greatly appreciated. 2002 Volvo S60 non-turbo, 123k miles.

 

You can replace the voltage regualtor.

 

Great, I'll try that out. Thanks Again Tech.

 

Installed it today. Runs great! Pushing 13.8 volts.

 

Glad all is well now.

 

el power system required...if i get a new voltage regulator, what one do you recommend??

 

So how did u fix yours I'm having the same problem with mine an I just get frustrated cause I've been fixing one thing after another I just want the volvo to run good!!

 

I am having the same issue.... replaced my battery and still happening.... just curious if my voltage regulator is bad, would it still kill my battery within 20 to 30 min? Is this more than likely an alternator issue, or does the voltage regulator if bad, keep the alternator from operating?