My battery died about 3 weeks ago. It wouldn't stay charged even after a jump. There were no obvious signs of anything being left on. . .dome light, etc.

I bought a new battery and now three weeks later my battery was dead again.

Any ideas? Is this a common problem?

TT

In my case of the battery occasionally going flat, I found the problem to be the driver's side door lock mechanism - most probably the microswitches becoming worn and not turning off interior lights. Now it is happening again, and the passenger door lock seems to be the culprit.
(I measured 0.8 amps drain with gently closing the door, or down to 0.1 amps when slamming the door).
So I have a replacement lock mechanism for the passenger door on order.

Or you can try this repair:-

http://forums.swedespeed.com/showthread.php?146743-Ho-to-repair-Doorlock-switches&p=1581958#post1581958

Cheers, Phil.
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'98 N/A S70 243100 Klm

You need to check your trunk light and your glove box, make sure they go out when closed. Same for overhead lights.

If those are OK, then check the alternator output. It should be producing 14.4V when the engine is running.

Klaus
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There is no present time, just the past and future

I was having a similar problem (but already knew my battery was pretty new. Checked voltage across the battery under light load and heavy load and got readings between 13.1 (light) and 12.8 (heavy) so will be looking into an alternator fix.

The cheapest rebuilt unit I've found is $250 or so. Is there a good online resource for instructions on rebuilding an alternator? I'm new to Volvos but know some other Bosch alternators lend them selves to brush replacement.

The brushes are part of the voltage regulator, a plastic part on the back of the alternator. A new voltage regulator is less then $100 at Tasca Volvo:
http://www.tascaparts.com/parts/1999/VOLVO/S70/?siteid=213668&vehicleid=1434009§ion=ALTERNATOR&group=ALTERNATOR&subgroup=ALTERNATOR&component=VOLTAGE%20REGULATOR

But, you need to know if you have a 100, or 120 amp alternator. The 100 amp regulator is $175!

You could possibly take the regulator off and take it to an alternator shop and get them to replace the brushes?? Or, refurbish the entire alternator?

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My name is Klaus and I am a V ♂ lv ♂ holic

Klaus,

Thanks - that is a great website. However, I am only seeing a single voltage regulator listed (with three alternators: 120 amp, 100 amp 2WD, and 100 amp 4WD.

Is there a way to determine which alternator without removing it from the car?

My car is the 2WD GLT with 2.4 L turbo.

Sam

Create a new post and title it: Which alternator does my car have, 100 or 120amp

Some one will know.
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My name is Klaus and I am a V ♂ lv ♂ holic

Thanks!