Hi everyone,
Has anyone ever had this problem:
Regularly, the car goes into a "faulty electrical" mode, i.e. when ignition is turned on, the usual dashboard signal lamps do not come on, except for the overdrive lamp, and the battery does not recharge. Local Volvo "experts" appear baffled. The main ignition switch was replaced, with no effect. What would cause the car to do that?
Thanks
Ed
Did anyone check the small red wire @ the back of the alternator if this wire comes off or has a loose connection this could cause your complaint Glenn
Glenn Klein is right on the money with the alternator ground wire - in most cars there is no such thing, but the 740 (and probably a lot of other Volvos) have the alternator mounted on rubber bushes - yes, even the adjuster arm - and it just won't work without the ground wire. The end that goes to the block loosened slightly on ours (actually a 760, but the same arrangement) and it drove me batty. Wiggling the wire revealed the loose connection - it rotated with little pressure.
In addition, ensure the engine to chassis ground connection is good. When in failure, there should be very little voltage between the engine block and the body.
Mike
In addition, worn out brushes on the regulator will have these symptoms, as will certain internal alternator failures.
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