Voltage drop to alternator '98 V70

[wizechatmgr]

You're still in the preventative category? Must be nice Car died on me tonight.. Just tossed a post up with symptoms...

viewtopic.php?f=1&t=82374

Sounds like your positive cable from the alternator to the starter or from starter to battery is on its way out. You may have years, or, you may be the next me. Don't be like me, it takes hours to no longer be like me while on the side of the road =p

[bmdubya1198]

You're still in the preventative category? Must be nice Car died on me tonight.. Just tossed a post up with symptoms...

viewtopic.php?f=1&t=82374

Sounds like your positive cable from the alternator to the starter or from starter to battery is on its way out. You may have years, or, you may be the next me. Don't be like me, it takes hours to no longer be like me while on the side of the road =p

My car has been intermittently running weird since I first got it running almost two years ago, but the problem is just starting to manifest itself to the extent that I can finally figure out what it is. It has this little stumble every now and again at stop lights, and last week it had a hard one and the ABS light popped up REALLY quick, and for a couple weeks before that, my radio kept turning itself off and back on. This led me to a power issue, since all my ignition parts and air and fuel-related parts are brand new/cleaned.
Don't get me started about side of the road... that's a whole other story involving my cousin's S70, a trip back from Florida, and a cam seal...

[MrAl]

Hello there,

If someone can post a pic of what terminal on the alternator to measure for the voltage drop, i'll check mine too and we can compare notes.

Where is the terminal to measure on the alternator?

Same basic car, 1998 v70 non turbo, automatic trans

[i think the positive terminal is the one that has insulation around it?]

BTW i almost forgot to mention, the mounting bolts probably have to be very tight too in order to make a good ground connection. I had that problem once on an old Hyundai.

[bmdubya1198]

There should be two connections on the back of the alternator, you want to test with the larger one. It says B+ on the plastic casing next to the terminal.
The smaller spade connector is the voltage regulator.

[MrAl]

Hi again,

Oh ok thanks, does this look like it?
I found this pic on the web.

[abscate]

Hi again,

Oh ok thanks, does this look like it?
I found this pic on the web.

You have to unclup that plastic cover to see the B+ terminal, red arrow

The smaller push on connector triggers the alternator light or service required message in later cars

[MrAl]

Hi again,

Oh ok thanks, does this look like it?
I found this pic on the web.

You have to unclup that plastic cover to see the B+ terminal, red arrow

The smaller push on connector triggers the alternator light or service required message in later cars

Hi Steve,

Thanks, this is starting to make some sense now.

Would you happen to know how that small nut cover comes off?
Is it bolted on or does it just press fit over the nut?

I am hoping i can actually get to this nut in the actual car because there are so many other things in the way.
I took a picture a year ago or so and in the pic i cant even see the back of the alternator. I'll try again though.
Somehow i'll have to try to get past the other stuff.

I think i may have an abnormally high voltage drop too so i should do this. The ground wire does not look very heavy either so it looks like someone retrofitted the wire some time before i got the car and used a gauge that was too light for the car requirement. I'll be checking that too.

So you think the positive nut cover is just press fit on?

[bmdubya1198]

The cap just clips over the nut, yes. It's a little tight to get to it, but it's doable.

[wizechatmgr]

Just pops right off, did this job last Thursday...

[MrAl]

Hi,

Ok thanks guys.

I guess we should use something non metal to get it off then because if it shorts to ground that could be a problem.
I have screwdrivers but they are all metal, so i'll have to see what i can find to pry it off.