Hi there:

I have a 1990 740 Turbo intercooler wagon with 129,000 on it. I have had a lot of work done on it but there's a recurring problem with the battery gauge or dial on the dash. I'll try to explain it as clearly as possible.

I will notice the needle go down if I'm sitting in traffic and it's even more dramatic if I turn on the headlights and am stopped at a light. The little needle almost all the way down. The car shakes and vibrates slightly at this point.

I take my car to the same mechanic here in Philadelphia and he swears that it isn't a battery or alternator problem, as both have been tested with whatever methods are available (by the way, my knowledge of cars is almost totally lacking)---yet this problem still exists. I already had the alternator belt go out on the road and I don't want to be stuck on the side of the road like that again.

Any help with this will be greatly appreciated and if you know of a good Volvo mechanic in Philadelphia, that would be great, too!

Thanks! Morgan