Alternators different w/stick or automatic trans? Seriously?

Northern Chev · Post by **Northern Chev** » 15 Apr 2012, 11:16

2002 S60 2.4 (LPT) w/automatic

Do these cars have a different alternator based on stick trans versus automatic trans? Seriously? AutoZone's system is telling me they are different.

The battery light keeps coming on and off and the information center is telling me I have an electrical malfunction. If I keep driving the lights flicker. Obviously I have a problem.

Battery tests fine but AutoZone tells me the alternator can not be tested on their test machine inside because my car has an automatic transmission. I saw their computer screen myself. According to their system cars with sticks and automatics have different alternators.

How do I get this alternator checked? Because you can't do it in-car... think about it, you'd have to drive there on the battery and they can't check the electrical system with a battery that isn't fully charged... And they can't check the alternator of any 2002 Volvo S60 that has an automatic? What now?

Post by **jimmy57** » 15 Apr 2012, 18:39

Their info is wrong. They likely can't test 2005 and later with externally regulated voltage regulators but if they lie to their machine and tell it is manual it will test it.
You can usually use the higher output if they offer two different ones. The output is going to be found on the back of your alternator and you can see it with a mirror. It will be written something like " 80->110 A" Which would be a 110 Amp out put. The lower number is for 1650 alternator RPM which is just a tick above idle speed and the high number is for 3300 alternator RPM. I may have the RPM specs off a little as I am quoting from memory and did not look that up.
Your symptoms are those of a failed voltage regulator on that model Bosch alternator.

Northern Chev · Post by **Northern Chev** » 15 Apr 2012, 21:31

This is a 2002 model year. I've heard that the voltage regulators have issues. I do believe this is integral to the alternator on this year car isn't it? On the outside of it?

Post by **jimmy57** » 15 Apr 2012, 21:34

It is integral.

Northern Chev · Post by **Northern Chev** » 15 Apr 2012, 23:51

Just buy another alternator or should I buy the regulator separate and just replace it?

I'm not afraid to open an alternator. I once made brushes for the failed alternator in my Toyota truck out of the brushes from a Hoover vacuum cleaner motor - while stranded along side of a remote desert road in Texas... in summer. Funny, but true.