1999 V70 AWD Cold Weather intermittent electrical problems

[kullejon]

While I've been driving in the past week I've had some electrical problems in cold weather, -20 degrees celcius. When I turned on the rear window defrost the power cycled, turning everything off and on, also ABS, Brakes and anti skid lights went on for a few seconds. This also happend a few times when I turned on high beams while driving, high beams stayed on after the power cycled. After this has happend my cruise controll is working intermittent, no abs and I got the BCM-0074 code. When I've been driving now after I deleted the codes in -5 degrees I've had no problems, no BCM code and so far the cruise controll and abs is working. When I've been winter drifting the car the ABS, Brakes and anti skid lights comes on for a few seconds sometimes.

It's worth to know that I've had a leaking power steering resovoir and the front of the alternator is got a nice oily layer on it. My guess is that the alternator is on the way out and/or the battery hates the cold, but the car has started normal. Maybe the ABS brain also needs to be repalced? Also when I drive the car and manage to drop the RPM to 500 cause of bad clutch controll the headlights dim.

If the alternator is bad does anyone know the part number for the alternator? Late 1999 v70 AWD

[wizechatmgr]

No point in replacing the alternator until you fix that power steering leak that is drenching it. You'll foul the new one. Remember, usually if fluid can leak out, contamination can leak in. If you wait long enough, you'll likely need a new steering rack. This is expensive as most will want to drop the subframe to do it.

If you're lucky, this is all due to low voltage and belt slip. If you aren't lucky, you're looking at the very least at a new regulator, likely a new alternator. The '99 V70's are EXTREMELY dependent on voltage being consistent. Also check and make sure all the positive terminal connections are tight. There is a wire running towards the kidney fuse box that if loose, can cause these issues should the battery shift in the least.