upgrade charging system?

shegarty · Post by **shegarty** » 20 Nov 2019, 09:30

Hi folks, I just installed a new subwoofer to help with low end bass. It was nothing outrageous (a single 12" 300W rms unit) but I am concerned that I might be stressing the charging system. At higher power levels the lights (headlights and dash) dim slightly. Alternator is still putting out about 13.7V during this time (13.8/9V otherwise). Should I be looking at upgrading the alternator or wiring? What options are available?

Post by **abscate** » 20 Nov 2019, 09:39

There were both 80 Amp and 100 Amp options for the 1998 year - check and see which one you have to see if the easy upgrade path is there for you.

About $200 plus core of $100 and you need to bring your pulley over to the new one, too.

shegarty · Post by **shegarty** » 20 Nov 2019, 10:03

abscate wrote: ↑20 Nov 2019, 09:39 There were both 80 Amp and 100 Amp options for the 1998 year - check and see which one you have to see if the easy upgrade path is there for you.

Am I looking for specific markings on the alternator itself?

Post by **abscate** » 21 Nov 2019, 07:25

The output is usually labelled on the voltage regulator - I think you can see it with a mirror and light without removing anything,

Post by **misha** » 21 Nov 2019, 15:19

With 100A alternator you don't need an upgrade.
I don't think that you would need an upgrade even with 80A one.

98RedV70GLT · Post by **98RedV70GLT** » 22 Nov 2019, 01:34

Get a capacitor.

shegarty · Post by **shegarty** » 04 Dec 2019, 07:11

Looks like I have the 100A version. I am thinking that it might be worthwhile to check connections and clean them up, maybe upgrade the wiring when it warms up a bit. I have also noticed a dip in dash lighting when the malfunctioning SAS tries to engage as well as when the A/C compressor kicks on. Hopefully its not a sign of the alternator or regulator on its way out as this has been happening now for 5+ years.

Post by **xHeart** » 24 Dec 2019, 11:38

1997 Volvo 850 NA is consuming battery. Found recently installed (October 2019) new battery dead after few days of not driving.
The car started fine after the battery was on trickle charger overnight. Weather temp is between 35º - 55ºF.

The original Volvo 100A alternator is charging at 13.3V during a normal drive with radio and heater running. What to look for?

Happy holidays!

Post by **abscate** » 24 Dec 2019, 11:47

xHeart wrote: ↑24 Dec 2019, 11:38 1997 Volvo 850 NA is consuming battery. Found recently installed (October 2019) new battery dead after few days of not driving.
The car started fine after the battery was on trickle charger overnight. Weather temp is between 35º - 55ºF.

The original Volvo 100A alternator is charging at 13.3V during a normal drive with radio and heater running. What to look for?

Happy holidays!

Current drain - its time to play pull the fuse, measure the current.

An old Analog (analogue in the UK) meter is best for this - superior to digital in oh so many ways.

You should be well under 50 mA (0.050 Amps) drain on a Volvo sitting still, all doors and glovebox closed.

Post by **misha** » 24 Dec 2019, 13:57

xHeart wrote: ↑24 Dec 2019, 11:38 ...The original Volvo 100A alternator is charging at 13.3V during a normal drive with radio and heater running. What to look for?

B+cable from battery to starter(usually).
It should be 13.8-14.2v at idle with headlights,heater and radio ON.