850R 1996 Warning lights come on during acceleration

[jimbodean]

Hi,

I have a very similar issue that just started happening with my 1996 Volvo 850, 167k miles. All my dash warning lights come on, and the vehicle will then slowly begin to die. All the electrical systems start to shut down, ie. wipers are very slow, window motors slow, radio shuts down, lights dim. The car will then sputter and stall, probly b/c the fuel pump loses power.

Your problem sounds very similar to mine. Was it for sure the alternator that was your problem. Have you had this problem reoccur since you replaced your alternator? My battery tested good, I've not tested my alternator output. Is testing alternator output difficult? Im not sure my voltmeter has the proper setting. I have used the 20V DCV setting, what setting is used for amps?

Other than a dying alternator, can anyone suggest a short circut that would cause this. I checked for corrosion at the starter motor, battery terminals, etc, and did not see any.

I am a bit of newbie, any help and suggestions are appreciated. Thanks in advance.

[Ozark Lee]

Your problem sounds very similar to mine. Was it for sure the alternator that was your problem. Have you had this problem reoccur since you replaced your alternator? My battery tested good, I've not tested my alternator output. Is testing alternator output difficult? Im not sure my voltmeter has the proper setting. I have used the 20V DCV setting, what setting is used for amps?

You really need to load test the alternator, most of the chain auto parts stores can do it for you (for free) with the alternator still in the car.

...Lee

[jimbodean]

Thanks Lee,

I tried to take it today to have it tested and the car died on the way. I jumped it and just got it home where it was showing about 6V output as it sat sputtering. I went and removed the alternator now.

The day begain with the car started first time after sitting overnight, so i shut it off while i made preparations with a freind to follow me. When i started again, my dash warning lights remained lit, so i knew i had to go quickly. I started the 1 mile journey to the autoparts store, but died after a 1/4 mile. I jumped it, turned around and barely made home, with a dead radio, speedometer, all dash lights and headlights died.

I quick put the voltmeter and tested the voltage at the battery with the car running this way, and got my 6v reading. It has tested 6v a few weeks ago when this first started, but it cleared up. Now im thinkin i may have a failed bearing in the alternator. Thinking back, i thought i was hearing a chirp when driving, but not really noticeable when idling.

So I took the alternator out, since i think its failed. I would like to have it tested before i get a new one, but both Autozone and Pep Boys need to test in the car. Can the dealer bench test an alternator? Thanks again to all in advance for the help.

[Ozark Lee]

I have had Advance Auto parts check mine out of the car before but it has been a while and I don't know how consistent they are from store to store as far as diagnostic equipment goes. The store that is close to me has had little done to it beyond sign changes since I was a kid and it was Western Auto store.

...Lee

[jimbodean]

thanks again Lee,

We have an advance auto around here, I'll try them in the morning. I was planning on calling the local dealer and ask them to test it as well.

[Aramelli]

Yes, Jimbodean it was in fact my alternator that was the issue. After i changed it my car started running normal again. Of course it took three alternators to get one that wasn't junk. I had to use the warranty on the Bosch alternator twice before i got the third one to work properly.

[polskamafia mjl]

Glad everything worked out for you. =]

[jimbodean]

Thanks for the help.

It seems it was my alternator as well. I swapped it out and the car runs fine.