1988 volvo 740 electrical

sam range · Post by **sam range** » 10 Jan 2005, 15:04

My 1988 volvo starts and runs during the day, but at night the dash lights goes dim and the headlights go orange, i replaced the alternator and regulator. I am thinking it could be the battery is weak or the headlight switch. save me, i am ready to see the junk man

LaRy · Post by **LaRy** » 11 Jan 2005, 11:33

You say that your Volvo starts and runs during the day. Is it also running when the dash lights goes dim and the headlights go orange? It would help to know. Is the intensity of light following the speed of the engine,or is it constant orange? If you have good light when engine speed is more than 1500rpm, the alternator is working, but below that rpm, the car electricty needs some back up from the battery. So if the light is increasing with increasing rpm, it could be a poor battery. Please come back with some more information.

sam range · Post by **sam range** » 12 Jan 2005, 20:21

it seems that once you start moving slowly the lights dim very quickly and the battery is dead, i think, i reminder driving at a constant speed and at slow speeds the car goes dead

LaRy · Post by **LaRy** » 13 Jan 2005, 12:56

Sounds like a bad battery, but it is always better to make some tests. I would have used a ordinary voltage meter. The value before starting should be ~12 volt and when engine is running ~14 volt. If it is not 12 volt before starting, charge the battery and check the density of the acid. If you don't get a good value in all six cells, change the battery.
If this is to complicated, or you don't have the equipment, bring the battery to some expert! He can test it in 2 minutes.