Well its nearing the end of August, and I have not had a single issue with electrical since the new 180a alternator went in. If anybody needs help or has questions regarding XC90 keeps dying or alternator replacement in general. I'd be happy to help. Also my VIDA DICE came in for anyone in the Pitts...

I just finished replacing my Alternator in my MY08 V8 Sport, which required removing the serp. belt. I'd suggest the following... 1.) Take the time to make yourself a good map of the belt routing... study the routing carefully, and take some pictures for reference (pictures go for almost ANY project...

Please disregard the last line... hahaha..... the alternator did not fail a week later. I meant to have that line after the ECM reinstall. About a week after putting the repaired ECM from XeMODeX in, the Alternator completely failed, thus sparking my Alternator Replacement project. Sorry about that....

Well, I really thought it the culprit was the Engine Control Module since its what sends the signal to the alternator to charge. Turns out it was also part alternator. ECM REPLACEMENT: I sent the ECM out to XeMODeX to be rebuilt for $300 + S/H. By the way, express shipping is TOTALLY worth it. FedEx...

ITS ALIVE!!!!

Thanks for the additional input difflock54! I hope that fixes your problem! I had already changed my battery, so I don't think I'll be as lucky. So it happened again. I jumped it with a battery pack I bought JUST for this beast. it ran for a bit, but again died. Luckily I was at a friends house, so ...

More importantly, when I stated build-up on blade fuses, they were all discolored (purple/rust colored - like oily almost) as if exposed to high heat/temp/current for long durations. I'm wondering if high volts would discolor these over time and the build up would create more resistance in various (...

FUSES: So I started pulling fuses (just to check) inside engine compartment, inside drivers door, & back cargo area. I was surprised to find all the smaller fuses had build-u on the blades (black carbon-like build-up). I decided to pull them and clean\sand them down. I started it in the driveway...

Ground Straps, Battery Cables, all look good. I wish my V8 offered better access to the alt to verify those wires a little better, but they seem attached and "ok". Thanks Regent

BTW, I had an '87 240 Wagon 5-speed manual that I had completely rebuilt as a teen, still looking for it...

Glad to see we're gaining interest on this thread! :) BATTERY VOLTS - you are correct in that the engine (while running properly) should be about 14v - 14.3v. if it's in the 13.xv range then I've heard that is "out-of-range" and should be looked into. Even w\ radio\CD, AC, Lights, DVDs run...