Power System Service Urgent!!

[HEAVY747]

Hi All

I had a message 'Power System Service Urgent' with battery lamp symbol showing every so often on my 2004 S40 2.0 diesel. Whe engine was turned off and restarted the warning would go away. Regardless I measured voltage when engine was off and it measured 12.4V. With engine started it measured flat 14.2V. The regulator or diodes or winding at fault God only knows.

Exchange alternator unit 150AMP Lucas brand from Eurocarparts was £167 but you have to hand over your faulty one.

The car voltage with new unit is 14.45V and car feels lot crisper and faster - I don't need even press the accelarator and she flies. No warning sign on dashboard gulp yet!!

Volvo or other garages charging £800+ for this when you can do it for only your time (2hrs max).

Car feels lot faster now too!!!!

The warning was intermittant on the dashboard and I have noticed car felt underpowered recently. I have thus taken the plunge and replaced the alternator. If you want to do the replacement its very easy all you need is a Haynes manual and well in the capability of a home meachanic.

To replace alternator:

First disconnect the battery leads.
Raise driver side off ground and put on stand and chock wheels with handbrake up. I always use jack as secondary support to be on the safe side.
Next remove plastic lid off engine.
Next remove protective shield under car please be careful and make sure car is supported very well.
Next remove serpentine belt by using ring spanner on tensioner to release tension making note of how it is fitted.
Next remove metalwork around fuel filter casing.
Next unscrew fuel filter casing and pull up casing with hoses still attached. You can leave in position if you wish and work under it.
Next remove small black cap off alternator and unbolt red lead.
Next remove connector from alternation which has small leads.
Next unbolt alternator bolts (4 bolts) with 16mm ring spanner and 16mm socket. Careful not to chew off any heads. You will have to access lower bolt from underneath
Next loosen allen key bracket at bottom of alternator whilst supporting alternator.
Unbolt allen key spacer off old alternator before handing over for exchange.
Remove alternator and replace with new one in reverse process.

Do not overtighten any bolts specially on the alternator otherwise you will breakage and headache!!!! You have been warned..........easy tiger!!

I hope this article gives hope to the beginner as you do not need to be an expert!!

Cheers
HEAVY747