Autozone starter and alternator test failed.

02V70 · Post by **02V70** » 03 Oct 2023, 21:23

I recently did the battery, starter and alternator test at autozone. It said that I have a bad starting system and bad charging system. The only symtom I have is that starting seems slow. Its similar to if my battery was a low. How trustworthy are the results? Can I do these tests with a multimeter? What else can I do to diagnose the probem further?

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Post by **abscate** » 04 Oct 2023, 03:44

That’s pretty sketchy info. You need an assistant for these tests

Take voltage readings at the battery and starter during cranking to get an idea of the voltage drop between them.

Take a reading at battery with engine off and engine on,

Report back!

02V70 · Post by **02V70** » 04 Oct 2023, 12:33

I'll have to order a multimeter as I am away from home for a bit. Would a digital or analog multimeter be better?

Post by **abscate** » 05 Oct 2023, 01:54

Digital better here as you are looking for 0.1V drops

Gardner Bender makes more robust stuff than the cheapies for a few dollars more

https://www.amazon.com/Gardner-Bender-G ... r=8-2&th=1

Post by **vtl** » 05 Oct 2023, 09:05

You have to replace both the starter and voltage regulator eventually. I'm actually surprised you haven't had to do it earlier.

A new starter is $73: www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007Y85MFE Yeah, it is not Volvo or Bosch, but I have/had it in 3 P2 wagons and it's been doing great. Easy to replace, too, like 2 or 3 bolts only.

Bosch voltage regulator is $53.99: www.ipdusa.com/products/7297/Brush-Pack ... vo-8637851 Or you can go ahead and replace the whole alternator for $250-300 (Bosch reman), since freewheel pulley and bearings eventually go out.

02V70 · Post by **02V70** » 08 Nov 2023, 18:23

Sorry it's been awhile, my dad needed to borrow my car for the past few weeks.

I measured it today, and it seemed to start normally instead of a little slow.
Here are the multimeter readings.

Before Start: 12.24v
Key in position 2: 12.05v
Starting: Dipped to 10.63v
Running: 14.10v
Off: Dropped to 12.04v

Here is a video of the multimeter reading.
The car is started at 0:18 and stopped at 0:47


VolvoMultimeter.mp4: (2.77 MiB) Downloaded 296 times

After the video cut, it kept dropping for about another minute to 12.04

Does this indicate any problems?

Post by **abscate** » 08 Nov 2023, 18:58

12,04 volts is a week battery at normal CA temperatures

02V70 · Post by **02V70** » 08 Nov 2023, 19:00

It was about 55-60 degrees at the time of measuring. The interior lights were also on if that changes anything.
How much longer until I have to replace the battery?

Post by **Krons** » 09 Nov 2023, 04:04

02V70 wrote: ↑08 Nov 2023, 19:00 It was about 55-60 degrees at the time of measuring. The interior lights were also on if that changes anything.
How much longer until I have to replace the battery?

With a lithium battery jump pack in the car you can run that battery forever.

It’s ultimately a preference thing, until it leaves you stranded. If you sense the starter spinning slow that isn’t a good sign though.

02V70 · Post by **02V70** » 28 Nov 2023, 14:15

The battery died left me stranded in the parking lot, luckily I had a friend who was able to give me a jump. Now the question is what kind of battery do I buy?

Auto zone has them in ranges of $100-250. Are the $99 "econocraft" batteries ok, or will they shortly fail? What about the $130 Napa one? How much money should I be spending on a battery? Are there other places where I can get a quality battery for relatively cheap?