98 S70 Non-turbo with 137k miles. Charging system light came on, auto-zone says only about 11.?v getting to battery. When I drive the car and RPMs go above 3k (accelerating), light goes out, then comes back on as RPMs drop. I've only had the car for a year, but previous service records indicate the alternator was replaced 2 years ago (18k miles ago). Seems like it's a little soon to have to do that again. Any thoughts?? Can I drive this car if I charge it each night?

 

Sure. The car runs off the battery. You can take your alternator out and toss it in the trash and keep putting good batteries in it every 20 miles and you'll be fine.

Alternators have brushes I believe, called brush blocks. Try installing new brushes and that may take care of it. Either that or get another one from a salvage yard, a real Volvo one.

 

Sounds like it could be worn- out brushes. They're easy to change on these alternators, and a lot cheaper. Get a voltage regulator, it will come with the brushes, and can be found for under $30.

 

I found some instructions on how to replace the alternator on VS. They seemed to indicate that the coolant had to be drained. I know the t-stat housing needs to be removed, which will cause a little loss, but is there another reason this has to be done?

 

It is easier to drain the coolant than to deal with the mess of taking off other cooling components. Just drain and catch the coolant.