"Charging failure Service urgent" plus red battery light

[Paul Bearer]

Volvo V70 2.4D 2008

For a couple of weeks had a low whine whilst in motion, nothing when stopped, so booked in with local mechanic to see what the problem was but got hit with covid, so could not take it and car sat for 10 days without use

Tested negative so off to the shops, its only 1.6 miles, got there no issues, went to go to another shop close by and a warning came up "Charging failure Service urgent" plus red battery light, so off home I go

Glad to get home without issue, checked with a multi meter, my battery then reading 12.01v, with running engine 13.38 to 13.42v , with fan, lights etc on 13.34 to 13.36v

So it appears the alternator has insufficient output

I am assuming here its the alternator but can't get to mechanic yet as he is booked up, would I be right in thinking the alternator is the likely cause?

And being without any other transport, what are the chances of the alternator dying completely?
I don't want to risk getting stuck but may have to at some point

It had a new battery September 2022

I phoned the nearest Volvo dealer and they quoted £615 for an alternator, I confess I burst out laughing ;-)

[Simmy]

dont risk it if the alternator seizes it will wreck the belt and possibly damage other things buy an alternator and fit it at home with a new belt as well.. check the the tensioner and pulleys .

[Paul Bearer]

Originally Posted by Simmy

dont risk it if the alternator seizes it will wreck the belt and possibly damage other things buy an alternator and fit it at home with a new belt as well.. check the the tensioner and pulleys .

Thanks for your reply, not so very long ago I would have done just that without a second thought, but like the car I am getting a little long in the tooth for mucking around with cars but may be forced to

Back in the day it was a whole lot easier to get at and change items like alternators but these days you have to disassemble half the car to get at anything

I saw no sign of binding in the alternator but want to check into that further tomorrow

[Simmy]

try to find a local independent garage ... main dealers charge £200 per hour .

[Paul Bearer]

Originally Posted by Simmy

try to find a local independent garage ... main dealers charge £200 per hour .

Thanks for yours, yes I already use an independent but he is just very busy as are all garages round here, its what we find every summer, influx of tourists and lots of breakdowns

Last I had to use a main Volvo agent I think it was £140 per hour that was two years agao for a steering lock, for which no one has the software to install and program, such a con but there was no other way, over £525 !!

[Bob Meadows]

Do you have a local auto electrical Ctr?
Most will test the alternator- supply parts or repair:~
A lot of garages will sub out this work anyway.

Good Luck.
Bob.