I have a code that is permanently on the dash ' --:-- ' ? My battery is completely dead(had to get it boosted to get it home) and was wondering if it's just the battery that needs replacing or is the Alternator faulty? Thank you for your help!!!

 

Hi and welcome to the forum.

You have not provided enough information for anyone to give you a good answer.

Short answer is for you to replace the battery and drive the car where you need to. You can take the current battery to an auto parts store and have them replace it. If you get a new one you will need the old one for a core (recycling credit).

As for figuring out if your car can be boosted, the best way to figure that out is to try. Some batteries are to dead or damaged for that to work.

To know if your alternator is bad you will need to take the car to an auto parts store to have it tested. To have the car tell you, you will need a good battery in the car and start the car. If the alternator is bad it will cause several dash warning lights to light up, especially the battery charge light.

Now for questions that must be asked to figure out your problem (information you should have posted to help us help you):

What year is your car?
When was the last time it was driven?
Did it stall where it is or was it driven to its current location?
How old is the battery?
Did you try to have it boosted?
When it was driven last, was any dash warning lights lit?
How often is the car driven?
How far is it driven when it is on the road?

Let us know what happens, it will help others...

 

Oh, I read your post again and I understand better now.

If you had the car jumped and was able to drive it anywhere, the alternator is good. Have the battery tested and replaced if necessary.

No clue about the dash message. Post year and other car info, maybe someone can help with that. Maybe loosing battery power caused that.

 

That's not a dash message or a code. It means the clock isn't set. When you lose power, the clock needs to be reset.

 

2002 V70 Turbo!!!! All of you have been most helpful, shall buy a new battery(will anyone do or is it best to buy a Volvo one?)

Has been seldom used at the moment! Did have a run but then died(had air & lights..etc!!)