I drive a 1990 Volvo 240 with 226,000 miles on it. The original alternator lasted 12 years//160,000 miles. The replacement, a rebuilt unit, lasted 5 years//65,000 miles (fair enough), and died a month ago. The rebuilt unit that replaced it just died yesterday, with only about 1000 miles on it. Is it likely a short circuit or other malfunction caused the latest one to crap out? What should my next step be: thoroughly troubleshooting the charging system for a short, as described in the Haynes manual? Or is it likely the latest alternator was just a faulty unit from day 1? Thanks!
2007-01-09 18:06:49 · 4 answers · asked by Rusting 4 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Car Makes ➔ Volvo
first check that the ground cable from rt. engine mount bolt to alternator is intact .( volvo alt is mtd in rubber bushings [probably should be replaced] ) . the short time failed unit may have been an inferior brand [there is a lot of junk out there] and have personally seen one brand in particular that your lucky if the pulley and clock position are correct right out of the box, let alone actually work
second check the wiring that runs underneath and across fnt of engine if oil soaked and out of twist type looms these wires can cause intermittent failures that left unattended will kill a alt.
third thoroughly checking charging system ,cables grounds and body grounds always turns up a defect or two so this should be done anyway[ don't forget to do a voltage drop test of grounds, anything more than 3/10 of a volt will cause problems
2007-01-10 13:46:06 · answer #1 · answered by hobbabob 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I'd bet on a poor rebuild. Some so-called rebuilds were just tested and cleaned, no new parts. Get a reliable unit from a rebuilder or retailer with a good reputation. My 240 went through four alternators in 400K miles. That's a pretty good average and I wish I still had the car. The 240 was the best Volvo ever. Long live yours!
2007-01-10 10:12:16 · answer #2 · answered by Arthur O 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If your alternator was charging correctly up to the point that it died, a short is unlikely.
This car uses a Bosch alternator, with an integral voltage regulator. The voltage regulator and brushes are built into one easily replaced unit. I would bet that the rebuilder didn't bother to replace it. If the alternator is out of warranty, you can easily replace the regulator. It's on the back of the alternator, held in place with two screws. You pop it out, pop in a new one, and you should be good to go. These regulator packs sell for about $25, so it's worth trying before you shell out for a complete new alternator. A good source is http://www.rockauto.com
2007-01-10 04:12:43 · answer #3 · answered by anywherebuttexas 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Well tough to determine the voltage the unit was putting out because its dead now 13.5 is a good voltage when the car is running. Its broke now so have to put on a new alternator anyway. Some rebuilds are better then others. I say get the best and then check out the voltage if your getting good voltage id say you had a bummer alternator.
2007-01-10 02:19:27 · answer #4 · answered by sleepydog 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋