Hey Matt!

I didn't have that problem on my 544s or 444 but have had it on

almost every Volvo since. In every case it was a fuse problem.

In fact I had a chance to buy a 142 DIRT CHEAP that had that problem

and didn't because I hadn't learned about the turn signal/amp light

connection yet. The amp light won't normally pass enough juice

to work the turn signal but is the only source of power for that

circuit if the fuse or holder or circuit is not allowing fresh

juice in the normal way.(through the fuse/holder, etc)

In summary, I think Pete is (as usual) right on target.

From the pic, it looks like you have the OE Bosch generator; I assume you also have the OE Bosch voltage regulator.

Inside the regulator are a set of points that open and close, which basically changes the charge rate. What I think is happening on your car is that the regulator is no longer able to stablize the voltage and the flashing amp light is trying to show you that these points are opening and closing rapidly.

If you drive the car with the lights on, you'll probably notice that they now strobe in concert with the amp light. You'll also accelerate the demise of the charging system as a whole, but it's a fun game to play.

You can unscrew the cover from the regulator and inspect the inside, but you won't be able to service it. Replacement is most likely the only remedy.

Also -- funky voltage regulators can wreck generators -- I'd only run the engine long enough to fully troubleshoot.

Enjoy --

Hey Matt,

This is a total WAG (wild-assed guess) but is it possible that something is shorted against the lead that goes to the turn signal relay? Perhaps the relay is getting juice and doing its usual signal relay thing. I wouldn't bother even trying to figure it out based on your taking the battery out. Things like that are just false leads. It's when you change the spark plugs, and your fuel pump happens to go bad in the meantime. Then, when you try to start the car, it won't start, and you spend hours trying to figure out what you did wrong. Not that I speak from experience or anything...

/// I am not familiar with your car. The only thing I can suggest is a defective battery cable. Try to check the cables without moving them or the battery.

Use your jumper cables to bypass the negative cable, bypass the positive cable with heavy wire once the car is running. Do this carefully.

If this is the trouble it may check ok cold. It may only act up just after starting and the heavy starter current warms it up. Moving the battery post clamp may heal the joint temporarily.

The last case would be a battery with an intermittint joint inside the battery. This can be checked by jumping a known good battery to the system, while the car is running with this symptom.

The amp light and indicator circuit share the same fuse, the fat stubby one in the top of the fuse box. Fuse connection goes high resistance, weird indicator symptoms follow. Clean contacts and fuse, or invest in a new fuse if the car warrants it;-)

Regards