Beachbum, Thanks again for your help. Where did you purchase the T-60 torx bit? The one I purchased was from Sears and it looks like it was made in a dye cast as it is one piece and would be impossible to break apart. I might be able to hax saw it but then I think I would have a problem getting ...

I have a 2001 S80 non-turbo. My daughter was driving it and it just died on her. I could get it started but it would barely run then stall out. Did the research and found that it was the electronic throttle. The car has 125K miles on it but there is a recall.
Had the car towed to Volvo and they ...

Beachbum and Ed7:
Thanks for the detailed explanation and also the pics. The tip about the torx bit was excellent. I too purchased a torx 60 bit but it was to long. I was ready to give up until I called the local Volvo dealer and they quoted me $706.00 to change out the alternator.

I searched for ...

OK, crammed my hands between the tension mechanism and computer module housing box and was able to remove the cap.
Used a very small flat head screwdriver.

Low and behold, there is another star behind the cap. Once I determine the size it looks like I should be able to access this a little better ...

I am working on the car now. Tried accessing the center bolt cap from above and can not get it off. Too tight to get a screw driver in position to pop it off. Tried good old vice grips and a smaller flat head screw driver but the angle is bad and the cap will not come off. The cap did move a bit but ...

Guess no one know the answer to the serpentine belt removal question. I can't believe no one has run into this same situation with a 2001 Volvo S-80. I know the Volvo engineers have been accused of all sorts of idiotic designs but I would think if they came up with the alternator belt tension ...

Still did not find the proper tool but was able to secure a pair of vice grips to the torx 60 bit. Got the belt off and back on and am
now going to decide if it is worth the trouble to attempt replacing the alternator myself.

If anyone comes up with the correct tool to use to release the tension ...

Saw the link to the tool. Problem is that it is a female star on the end of the tool. Too tight to be successful with any of your suggestions. Heading out now to see if there is a hidden bolt somewhere but even so, more than likely will not be able to access it with "normal" tools. If it is this ...

I have attached a photo ... the star is circled...thanks!

I am trying to upload a pic...in the meantime, here is the link that shows it. You can see the star in the middle. - rib


http://www.fcpgroton.com/product-exec/p ... 99-2004%29