Calgary Cold Weather Electrical Issues

mhopkin · Post by **mhopkin** » 20 Jan 2008, 22:30

I have been experiencing some electrical problems with my Volvo for the last few days, which has been quite cold in calgary.

The fuel gauge has been reading a quarter full when i had just filled the car up, my stereo works intermittently and dash lights dim aswell as the heater blower seems to decrease in speed.

When i park the car, and try to start it again it does not start up and seems as though my battery is dead with the chugging sound of a dead battery.

I am thinking voltage regulator which i had replaced 2 years ago, my battery was also replaced 2 years ago.

1984 Volvo 240 DL
335,000km

Post by **jonesg** » 21 Jan 2008, 09:48

I'd go in this order.
Check the alternator belt tension.
Check the battery ground cable to the frame.
Battery clamps.
Pull the brushes from the alternator, I just put new ones in my 740.
At least its a cheap fix if thats the problem.
Try a voltmeter on the battery whilst its running.
Check voltage before and after so you know whether you found it.

Post by **billofdurham** » 21 Jan 2008, 11:18

mhopkin, welcome to Matthew's Volvo Site.

When checking ground (earth) cables ensure you check the ground strap from the engine block to the frame and also, on the earlier models, the ground strap from the valve cover to the bulkhead (firewall). These are often overlooked.

Bill.

mhopkin · Post by **mhopkin** » 23 Jan 2008, 14:07

I have done all these checks except for the battery test, it ran for a day then would not start last night, the posts seemed alittle loose so i thought i had solved the problem with just a bit of tightening. i think it is the battery, because i can still get a boost and drive with little problems when on the road, i still get the loss of power to the stereo and gas gauge but think it is due to the battery not functioning.

opinions?? hope my thoughts are not too out there, thanks again for the help.

Post by **jonesg** » 23 Jan 2008, 18:16

Buy a cheap multimeter , read the battery with engine off ,
then with engine running, you should see a charge of an extra couple of volts.

If not, read the output of the alternator, if its 13-14v+ then the loss is in the cables and ground wires from here to there.

Remove battery post clamps and clean everything up, I use a spray which supposedly stops corrosion. A wire brush or sandpaper helps.

I still think you ought to look at the brushes in the alternator.
Just did mine, 5 minutes (alternator is on top of engine in the 740).

Its a simple problem , you don't want to be stuck trying to fix in the dark in east bumshoe though.

mhopkin · Post by **mhopkin** » 23 Jan 2008, 23:57

just took the battery into the shop to get it tested and well it started to charge, so i assumed my alternator was burned out, but within 5 minutes the battery began to smoke and in the end would not hold a charge. un fortunately i had gone home under the impression that the alternator needed to be tested so i have now taken it out. and had it tested as well and it was in good operating condition. hope this is the end of my troubles knock on wood Please

thanks for all your help

mike