Can you guys help me out here...our low beams both burned out which I thought was odd that they'd go out simultaneously. Blinkers are turbocharged and blink a thousand miles an hour. Replaced low beams then.. following couple days battery dead so replaced battery. Battery is now blowing stuff out vent tube and low beams blew out again. Where do I start? Long time no post. Thanks

960 190K
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'97 964 -- 119K

Mr. Sousa is correct - the alternator has lost its regulator function and is overcharging.

The only time I experienced this was due to a battery that was dying due to a harsh 25-mile trip on a rocky road that caused the lead oxide to fall off the plates and short the plates causing the cells to die and the battery to refuse to accept a charge. Same symptoms you have - fast turn signals, super-bright headlights and dash lights, etc. The alternator turned out to be OK, the regulator kept wanting more current.

You said you had a new battery, so it has to be the alternator regulator.

That alternator cannot be checked off the car, sez Auto Zone. You might get them to do a test on the car, if you can get it there. I have purchased the brush/regulator for my 1997 965, but have been able to defer installing. Requires removal of the alternator and the job looks like a real PITA.

Good Luck,

Bob

:>)

Take your Volvo to a decent tech. A Volvo one would be best.

It sounds like you have a problem with your alternator, this could explain most if not all of the symptoms.

High voltage could cause what you cite.

I can tell you from experience that alternators last about 215,000 miles, I lost two at that mileage.

Or, you can continue to burn stuff up and blow stuff out of your battery.

A number of people throw parts at problems and never seek expert help. Volvo parts are expensive.

Good luck
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'96 855R,'64 PV544 driver, '67 P1800 basket case, '95 855, '95 854, the first three are mine, heh, heh, 485,000 miles put on 9 bricks