Volvo S70 Made from 1998 to 2000, this sporty model replaced the 850 sedan and instantly became a hit.

Alternator going bad?

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  #1  
Old 07-09-2018 | 08:32 PM
first477's Avatar
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Default Alternator going bad?

My scangauge reads my voltage as between 13.2 and 13.7 while driving, and while running at idle, my multimeter shows 13.35-13.45 volts. The battery never seems to get above 12.4 volts even after long drives. My numbers are lower than they should be I think. How long do you think my alternator has before it quits?
 

Last edited by first477; 07-09-2018 at 08:33 PM. Reason: Communication
  #2  
Old 07-09-2018 | 10:49 PM
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Good enough. I would ignore it. The voltage regulator may go out, for sure, but I just wait until that happens and replace it.

Volvos have the smallest voltage regulator, and the brushes are built into it. Very clever. The brushes cut a groove in the armature, so the armature doesn't last for eternity, but it's pretty close to that.
 
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Old 07-09-2018 | 11:18 PM
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I’m going to get the voltage regulator, alternator and battery all replaced at the same time once it starts giving me trouble. I just hope that isn’t for a while. The battery that’s currently in it has been drained completely twice because of a slow parasitic draw. (too weak to start after sitting 4 days) I have to figure out what the issue is and get that sorted out before I get all my charging system components replaced. I know all of this has been taxing my alternator. I’m trickle charging my battery right now, going to start pulling fuses and checking draw when I return from fairbanks.
 
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Old 09-07-2018 | 05:48 AM
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Got alternator replaced. Voltage now sits at 14.2. No battery drain. Problem solved.
 
  #5  
Old 10-22-2018 | 04:46 AM
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change it in car now before winter sets in and you are running heater all the time, alt does not need to be removed
 
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