Dead headlights on one side, a battery that won't charge.

likearolingston · Post by **likearolingston** » 14 Nov 2011, 10:54

Hello all,

So I am making progress on my dead Volvo. Alternator is not charging the battery. Before I replace the alternator altogether, I'm attempting a few things that I suspect may be actors in trouble.

Headlights are out on the left side of the car. I was going to replace them, thinking they were dead. However, at one point, they briefly flickered on. So they're not dead, there's just a problem somewhere.

Questions:

1. Any thoughts on how to fix the headlight?

2. Could the headlight short be at all linked to the battery failing to charge?

Thanks!

Jay

Post by **billofdurham** » 14 Nov 2011, 11:33

1. If the headlight is off on both high and low beam check the earth (ground) wire making sure it has a good contact to the body. If it is only off on one of the beams check the wire for that beam.

2. It is highly unlikely. The alternator puts a charge into the battery whilst the headlights take it out. A fault on the headlights, or any electrical component, can drain the battery but it will not stop the alternator doing its job. You can have the alternator tested at any good parts shop.

Bill.

likearolingston · Post by **likearolingston** » 15 Nov 2011, 08:12

Thanks gentleman. And yes, Senor Turkey, I consider my Volvo's electrical gremlins to be of biblical proportion, too.

likearolingston · Post by **likearolingston** » 20 Nov 2011, 10:47

Well, replacing the connections to the headlight fixed the headlight problem. But not the alternator problem. So here's to hoping that maybe if I just replace the connections between alternator and battery that I might fix that problem, too.

Post by **billofdurham** » 20 Nov 2011, 11:36

One down one to go.

Bill.