battery indicator light dimly lit and fluctuating Topic is solved

[joebone]

I have no idea why, but my battery indicator light seems to be dimly lit all the time and fluctuates slightly. When I accelerate, it dims off, and when I take my foot off the brake it goes out completely. It did this for a while a few weeks ago and then went off entirely for about a week. It just came back the other day, now my car won't start at all. Just before quitting, my tracs light, abs light, and srs light came on then off then on then off a few times, then went off all together. Do I have a ghost in the wires? What's wrong with my volvo?

[kelvin6]

Hmm, this problem sounds familiar, but I can't seem to remember what it actually is (i'm thinking of a universal car problem).

I'll guess the alternator for now, because if that isn't spinning or at the correct speed (this may also indicate a loose or even broken accessory belt). If the alternator doesn't charge, you will get the battery light and possibly even undervoltage codes for various equipment. I know that the ABS (maybe TRACS too) has such codes. Plus if the alternator doesn't charge, your car will be running off the battery for power while driving, which will drain it (and even possibly shut off while driving).

Before you go off and blame the alternator, I would first suspect the accessory belt that drives it (it also drives the power steering and water pump for cooling). This can be easily inspected without tools or anything.

[Jot]

Some places will do a complimentary check of the charging system. Try Autozone or Sears