Alternator going bad?
#1
07-09-2018, 07:32 PM
Join Date: Nov 2016
Location: Anchorage AK
Posts: 41
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
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 07:33 PM. Reason: Communication
#2
07-09-2018, 09:49 PM
Senior Member
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.
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.
#3
07-09-2018, 10:18 PM
Join Date: Nov 2016
Location: Anchorage AK
Posts: 41
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
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.
#5
10-22-2018, 03:46 AM
Junior Member
Join Date: Sep 2015
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post