Having some alternator issues. 1996 850 T5.

STREETFIGHTER50 · Post by **STREETFIGHTER50** » 31 Jan 2013, 19:37

I just installed a new Duralast alternator (NIB, but was in storage for 3 years). I start the car & no more check light or other dash lights coming on. So that was a good sign I thought. I let the car run/idle for 5 mins. Thinking all is good, I turn the car off & all of a sudden I see the battery light on the dash is on. Restart the car & run for a while - no lights on the dash while running. Turn off the car & the battery light on the dash just stays on.
Anyone else have this battery light issue?
What does it mean if the battery light just stays on even when the car is completely turned off?
Also, will a 1998 S70 GLT's alternator work on a 1996 850 T5?

Post by **cn90** » 31 Jan 2013, 19:38

Likely a short inside the diode and/or voltage regulator feeding back current to the dash bulb.

This is why one should rebuild one's own alternator; all you need is new VR (brand name is HUCO) for $50, and 2 bearings for about $20; info in forum.

Post by **Ozark Lee** » 31 Jan 2013, 20:25

I think AutoZone has lifetime warranty on alternators. It is a pain in the butt but you should be able to swap out the defective unit for another rebuilt.

...Lee