2006 XC70 Alternator problem?

james166 · Post by **james166** » 30 Jun 2015, 16:10

Started the car today (145k miles) and got the "Power system service urgent" message; battery light also on. The next time I used it there was not message and no lights. Nonetheless, I did a few checks. With the car off, the battery voltage was 12.5V. Running, it was 13.7v. Under the hood, I could not hear anything unusual. However, when I put a screwdriver on the alternator case, and my ear to the handle end, I could hear a high-pitch screeching sound. So, it looks like I may need a new alternator, but I have a few questions:
- Given this information, is this service really urgent? With the holiday weekend coming up soon, I doubt I can get an appointment for service until next week.
- If I need a new alternator, should I get an new OEM one, or a rebuilt/remanufactured one?
- Is it hard to change the alternator? Can any garage do it or should I go to the dealer or Volvo specialist?
Thanks!

Post by **vtl** » 30 Jun 2015, 17:57

You need this: https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/volvo- ... ch-8637851

Post by **SuperHerman** » 30 Jun 2015, 20:28

Change the regulator immediately. I bought a 2002 XC70 that had the regulator fail - one of the bad batch. The failure took out the battery, CEM, lightbulbs, alarm siren, DIM, fuses and a relay.

If it fails it may take out countless electronic parts.

Post by **precopster** » 01 Jul 2015, 15:42

2005 and above used different regulator. Make sure you use a fitment guide for your 2006.

Post by **GBS** » 01 Jul 2015, 20:01

I'd get a new regulator as well, not sure about the high pitch sound but I heard similar from mine but found it was tensioner pulley, replaced that and fixed.

I think you should try this yourself, how hard it is depends on your skills I guess but this is a nice clean job. Can't do much damage as long as you disconnect battery and follow the steps, I can find some of the links I used before starting mine. The steps seems a lot but it's really not bad. Some replaced the regulator just using a mirror, I removed mine.

Definitely do not get new from local shop, I got one that should fit my 02 according to autozone and after install I immediate got light for charging error. Had to take it all apart again. The good thing is I saved $200 since I needed regulator not a full replacement, steps are the pretty much the same. Try regulator and spend a few hours under hood, it's fun! If not I'm sure any garage can do it...

james166 · Post by **james166** » 05 Jul 2015, 19:55

It's been a week now, driving every day and the message/light has not come back on. So, we'll see how it goes. I'll monitor the charging voltage and see if there are any changes.
I don't like these intermittent problems because in the end they always seem to come back and bite you!

Post by **GBS** » 06 Jul 2015, 08:14

I'd agree with that, personally I think this would be a great time to actually do it, no pressure getting it to work as if all else fails put it back. If you wait until it fails and get low battery, you'll be scrambling like I did and possibly having to wait for a parts or rush to mechanic.

I do prefer to wait until things go bad before replacing parts but this job was an exception.... It's a clean job with a $70 part and you get very familiar with many components of your car.