90k service done, alternator toast the next day??

kaydee · Post by **kaydee** » 15 May 2010, 11:26

My son took his car in to our Volvo dealership, he had some alignment work done, replaced a tire, and had the 90k service completed. The service rep told me "we were able to bring up the electronics without needing to update the SW" (they wanted to update SW and do a mapping for an additional $500 - he declined).
He drives the car home, drives to get gasoline, when he starts the car at the gas station the battery light and a host of other lights come on - he drives straight to the dealership. They check and say "it is the alternator, $820 to repair it).
I say BS, there is no way, no coincidence that this occurred. Am I crazy, so what could have happened? I do not believe it was just "coincidence."

Post by **regent** » 15 May 2010, 16:36

Coincidences happen, but the stealerships are known to take advantage of any situation. I would have them read and interpret the DTC codes for me before I trust them.

cmblackburn · Post by **cmblackburn** » 18 May 2010, 08:29

825 to fix the alternator? obsurd. check the connections on the alternator. check the voltage at the battery when the car is running, should be anywhere from 13 to 14 volts. Check all the ground connections. Even if the alternator is bad you could pick up a good one or get yours rebuilt for less than that. You didn't mention any work on the engine, but it is possible the connections to the alternator got knocked loose somehow. Can you hear a whine when it's running?