I took my 2002 Volvo S80 in to have a squeal checked. Sounds like the blower fan - goes on and off with the heater fan. Dealer says it is my alternator and estimates $1100 to fix. Questions: (1) Could it possibly have anything to do with the alternator? (2) If so, what could drive the price up to $1100? Whatancillary parts/labor would be involved?

 

It is possible but if it only happens when you turn the blower on it should be the blower.

 

Ihave never had to deal with a bad alternator. If that is the problem, what would be typical symptoms? Also, what happens if there is an alternator problem and I don't replace it right away? Is $1100 reasonable for this job? I am suspicious that the shop just wants to do it because my car is over 100,000 (i.e. suggested maintenance rather than necessary).

 

If you want to test you self first make sure the car is charging good.
Then you can remove the accessory belt and see if the noise goes away.

$1100.00 is way to much for an alternator replacement.

 

I am in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. What would you expect to pay for dealer service to replace the alternator if that is, in fact, the problem? Also, how hard would it be to do myself? (They have the car, so I can't see right now how tight the workspace is. Would it take a lot of dismantling to get to the alternator and take it off?)

 

Labor should be about 1.5 hours and I think the parts are around $350.00 or $400.00 or so that would be around $650.00 or so for the job.

You have to remove the power steering pump and a few other small things to get the Alt out. It really isn't all that bad.