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Not a good day for V70 V70-XC70 2000

posted by Robert S. on Thu Jul 9 16:05 CST 2015
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last visit: Sun Sep 21 05:48 CST 2014

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2000 V70 SE, Denso, AW-55, 217K miles

Going to need some help diagnosing this, since there are cascading symptoms and don't quite know where to start the troubleshooting. Car ran fine on the way into work (12 mile commute one way); then about half way home the following occurred (AC on) in about this sequence:

- Alternator warning light lit dimly, then off, then blinked, then full bright
- ABS and TRACS lights on, SRS light on
- Brake failure light on
- Engine started losing power, I turned AC off
- Odometer zeroed out; the numbers turned to dashes all the way across
- Speedometer quit working
- Car struggled up final hill before home
- Pulled into driveway, engine surging a bit
- Stopped and shifted into Park gear, engine still running but at slightly higher RPM than idle speed
- Had to use shiftlock release button to return gear selector to drive
- Loud transmission clunk when shifting from Park, to Drive to Reverse, car didn't want to move when throttled and in gear
- Back into Park, another clunk, engine quit
- Won't restart, turn key and hear click, but starter won't engage
- Odometer now has number readout again, instead of dashes displayed earlier

That's a lot of symptoms to list, I know. Happened quickly with no warning signs before the drive home. By the way, head lights still illuminate brightly and central locking still works. I do feel fortunate to have made it home and not breaking down on the road.

Where to begin?

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Not a good day for V70 V70-XC70 2000

posted by KlausC on Thu Jul 9 19:07 CST 2015
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last visit: Fri Oct 24 10:15 CST 2014

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Let's start with your first problem, the alternator. Since the PS worked good, we can assume that the S belt did not break. That leaves the alternator output questionable, probably time for new brushes.

The other symptoms could all be related to a low battery, less than 10V. If you have a trickle charger, I suggest plugging it in right now as it will take a while to charge up.

Some of the computers as well as the starter require 11V minimum to operate. If the voltage gets too low, the computers will malfunction and not be able to communicate with each other- causes all sorts of drivability problems.

So long as the alternator is not making noise (bearings shot), you can replace the voltage regulator which has the brushes, and not R&R the alternator. You might have to move some piping around to get to the back of the alternator (black plastic) and have a phillips screwdriver to take the plastic off as well as the brushes. No Torx screws here.
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My back feels better when I sit in a Volvo seat

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Not a good day for V70 V70-XC70 2000

posted by Robert S. on Thu Jul 9 20:01 CST 2015
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last visit: Sun Sep 21 05:48 CST 2014

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The battery is four years old, I suppose about the age that batteries can start to fail. I will see if it holds a charge overnight. And I'll plan on changing out the voltage regulator and brushes soon.

Thanks

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Not a good day for V70 V70-XC70 2000

posted by Herb Goltz on Fri Jul 10 08:17 CST 2015
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last visit: Fri Oct 24 13:23 CST 2014

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Hello:

I agree with Klaus that unless you have noisy bearings, the voltage regulator/brush pack is the way to go. Rebuilt alternators at the parts stores are often very poorly done.

The voltage regulator/brush pack can be replaced in the car (it is not a particularly fun job, mostly because of one lousy Phillips screw that holds on the black plastic cover, but it beats pulling the serpentine, moving the power steering reservoir and pump and then disconnecting and unbolting the alternator!).

Here is my post on the topic:

http://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=62367

Scroll through, there are part numbers, tool suggestions, etc.

The other thing you need to check is whether you have voltage drops in the cables. This is a very common failure mode for these cars caused by corrosion in the cables. Measure the voltage drops on the positive, negative and B+ cables.

Have the battery load tested at a parts store. Resting voltage doesn't give you the complete picture.

Let us know what you find!

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Not a good day for V70 V70-XC70 2000

posted by Robert S. on Sun Jul 19 11:55 CST 2015
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last visit: Sun Sep 21 05:48 CST 2014

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2000 V70 SE 2.4L NA AW-55 SN

Just finished installing new voltage regulator/brush pack. See the pic for old part with worn brushes compared to new part.

Managed to swap out the regulator with the alternator still in place. I didn't want to remove serp belt and PS pump either, to remove the alternator from the car.

You're correct, that Phillips head screw holding on the alternator back cover is very difficult to access. I broke the screw loose by using a 1/4" drive ratchet handle with a small Phillips head socket. Then backed out the screw with a long Phillips screwdriver inserted below the intake manifold and removed the screw from its recessed hole with a telescoping magnet.

Also removed the dipstick tube to make access much easier.

One thing I noticed. When ignition switch on with old voltage regulator, the red Alt/Batt warning light did not illuminate. With new voltage regulator installed, the warning light illuminates when ignition switched on. After starting motor, the light shuts off per normal.

I used the Volvo blue box Bosch voltage regulator, $100 from Tasca Parts. p/n: 30667899.

Going for a test drive to the store!

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Not a good day for V70 V70-XC70 2000

posted by Herb Goltz on Tue Jul 21 11:39 CST 2015
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last visit: Fri Oct 24 13:23 CST 2014

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Good to hear that it worked out well! I lost the screw holding the cover on while reassembling and never found it again, but there have been no averse effects...

Did you measure the voltage output before and after? I would also recommend measuring voltage drops on the positive, negative and B+ cables.

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Not a good day for V70 V70-XC70 2000

posted by Robert S. on Wed Jul 22 13:48 CST 2015
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last visit: Sun Sep 21 05:48 CST 2014

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Next time I'm around a voltmeter I can measure output and any voltage drop in the cables. For now, all is performing normally!

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Not a good day for V70 V70-XC70 2000

posted by KlausC on Thu Jul 9 20:12 CST 2015
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last visit: Fri Oct 24 10:15 CST 2014

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Don't blame your battery, IT got you home! Having the AC, lights, radio on takes a lot of juice. The low battery will not light up your instrument panel, but the alternator sure will.

If you have any light, check the wires at the alternator. One may have chaffed or come loose. I still suspect the brushes are worn a lot.
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My back feels better when I sit in a Volvo seat

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