Hi,

Took my car into the tire place to get the winter set onto the car. I asked the guy at the counter to check the battery as a precaution.

Received a call, we checked your system and your alternator and battery are in need of replacement. Normally I would have taken their suggestion and replaced the two items without thinking but since I have an extended warranty on the car I decided to ask them to leave it alone and took it to the dealer that I use McMillan and Saunders (M&S) here in Mississauga, Canada.

Turns out that one of the battery cables was burned out and that the battery and alternator are fine. I called the tire place Superior Tire on Dufferin to ask why they suggested I replace the two pieces at a cost of almost $1000.00 CAD. They said since the alternator was only charging at 12.1 Volts where it should be 13-14 volts. I called the dealer back who said, 12.1 is perfect for 80 amp charging and that the alternator is as good as new. The dealer also checked the resistors in the alternator and said all was fine. If you own a Volvo in the TOronto area, in my mind, McMillan and Saunders are worth the drive. I also recommend Faisel one of the mechanics there he is honest and a great person.


M&S also refused to replace the battery even though they stood to make some money on it since they felt that it was good.


Kudos to M&S and their straight forward dealing.


Regards,


Darryl

98 Manual AWD dual exhausts and K&M filter