Alternator amps

5rivers · Post by **5rivers** » 15 Sep 2021, 10:15

I have a 2003 S60, base, non-turbo. I am trying to determine the amperage on the alternator without removing the unit. The engine has a revving sound that will not go away - might be from a worn out regulator or bad bearings in the alternator. It might also be bad bearings in the power steering pump. The revving sound appears to be originating from the alternator. Alternator amps could be 120, 140, 160 or 180, depending on accessories in the S60 from what I have read.

Have installed a new water pump, timing belt, serpentine belt, camshaft seals, and coils, Any ideas on how to figure out the alternator amperage would be very much appreciated. Hope you all are well!

Post by **cn90** » 15 Sep 2021, 11:35

Have you tried the very basic stuff first?
Open the hood and look at the label on the alternator?

5rivers · Post by **5rivers** » 15 Sep 2021, 13:28

I could not see a label anywhere on the top or the front or back sides. I am guessing its on the bottom!!

5rivers · Post by **5rivers** » 15 Sep 2021, 13:42

Let me be more specific: the side with the pulley did not have a label. The back side where the positive cable is connected to the alternator did not have any labels or any visible stamped numbers. So, a part number or amperage numbers are likely located near the bolt connections to the motor or underneath (or very bottom of) the unit. Taking off the cover to the pulley reveals a few numbers, but those are likely for the pulley; am not sure if they would refer to the alternator part number. Short of removing the alternator, is there any other way to determine the amperage of the alternator - a multimeter, possibly.

Post by **cn90** » 15 Sep 2021, 15:28

- Interesting bc the word "Bosch 120A etc. etc." should be on the back side (near where the red cable is attached).

- Unless the P.O. replaced it with no name alternator.

- I am guessing your alternator is the 120A type.

Post by **DonnVa** » 15 Sep 2021, 17:18

Here is a picture of the label on the voltage regulator.

5rivers · Post by **5rivers** » 15 Sep 2021, 18:59

Thanks DonnVa for the above pic...no such label on alternator in my car...leads me to believe its a non-Volvo, non-Bosch brand

Post by **cn90** » 15 Sep 2021, 19:14

- Use Volvo website or FCPEuro website, but I think your alternator is Bosch AL0820 type.

- Google Bosch AL0820N and see what you get (avoid AL0820X).
"N" = new.
"X" = rebuilt

Post by **cn90** » 15 Sep 2021, 19:23

On my 2004 V70 2.5T, the factory Volvo PN is 8676498 = Bosch 0-124-525-029.

You can use these PNs for your search as well.

Post by **cn90** » 15 Sep 2021, 19:26

If you are short of budget, then buy a Genuine Volvo alternator (ebay vs local junk yard).
Get one with low mileage such as < 100K.

If necessary, buy the VR and bearings to rebuild it.
You will be happy if you rebuild it yourself bc these days, the junks you get at local auto parts store are mostly Chinese stuff.