S40 (New) General : Power System Service Urgent!!

[homer timpson]

The mechanic is waiting on word back from the local Volvo dealer - he's hoping they'll be able
to provide a clearer picture with regards the proper part no. for the alternator.

I just know that this one will not be suitable - S/V40 Series Alternator (100amp) £135

I had a quick look on the Nordic website and got a real shock - Link

Faint/swoon or what?

Homer

[mjcourtney]

Ouch, looks pricey!!

Guess you'll just have to wait and see what the mechanic finds.

[homer timpson]

Still not quite sorted.

The mechanic can't see any identification on the alternator whilst on the ramp - he says he'll probably
have to take it off to find it. ["will be hidden on the engine side knowing your luck" he said.]

I phoned my local Volvo dealer who carried out the cars last service in May 07 and he's quoting £321
for the alternator + 1 1/2 hours labour + VAT = £514.

The only thing I managed to get out of him is that it is the 120 amp alternator and not the 150 amp one -
he wouldn't help me with the part no. unfortunately.

If I can find that out I may have a better chance of sourcing it elsewhere, maybe at a better price.

The car is outwith warranty so I'm not going back to the dealer for any further servicing or repairs.

Persevere I shall.

Homer

[Metblackrat]

Impressed they are only quoting 1.5 hours labour.

To do mine they removed the front bumper, headlights and radiator to get to it.

[homer timpson]

The alternator change is on hold at the moment !!

Drove away from work last night and didn't get the warning message on the info system.
[it had been coming on within about a mile].

Drove the 20 miles or so back home without any issues.

Drove it again last night without a hitch, similar scenario this morning.

The mechanic has said to hold off ordering a new alternator - he's trying to speak to the the local
Volvo workshop to see if they can help out with regards this apparent random failure message.

If the alternator was faulty it should show as such on the Dashboard info system? - or could it really be so temperamental?

Homer

[mjcourtney]

The dash info system is quite frankly pants when it comes to telling you what the causes of problems are. It has a preset range of errors that it can give you, but identifying the root cause can be a pain.

For example, on my S40 I had the following 'random' error messages appear at various different times:

"Severe Engine Management Fault"

"Brake Failure - Stop Safely"

"Immobiliser Error - Critical Stop"

The cause of all of these errors?

The fuel pump!! Now that error never showed up once. It's all to do with at what point in the start-up sequence a fault occurs, and how many units have reported a fault.

Keep an eye on it, who knows, maybe the inspection of the alternator was enough to sort out any loose connections?

[homer timpson]

I'd be happy to accept it being a random glitch but, with the appearance of the slight whine from the alternator/belt/tensioner area as well,
it probably isn't a one off - but I'll keep driving her car for the next week just in case.

Regards

Homer

[TRAFFIC VOLVO]

Hi all on my third volvo in a row had a w reg s40 no problems so up graded to s60 which was super had to have a clutch but hey ho
Now got a 2005 s40 1.8se and its never missed a beat in six months, until this morning POWER SYSTEM SERVICE URGENT message, whinning from alternater area and it keeps stalling,im out of warranty so its my usual mechanic for me. Are there any latest updates on this condition how did HOMER go on thanks all

[saurabhvir]

I am also having the same problem. Today morning when i started my car - it had a distinct whining sound... probably coming from the engine belt and the display showed "Power System Service Urgent".

Any clues as to what should I do now...

I have a 2005 1.8 S40

Regards,
Saurabh

[homer timpson]

Originally Posted by TRAFFIC VOLVO

Hi all on my third volvo in a row had a w reg s40 no problems so up graded to s60
which was super had to have a clutch but hey ho
Now got a 2005 s40 1.8se and its never missed a beat in six months, until this morning
POWER SYSTEM SERVICE URGENT message, whinning from alternater area and it keeps stalling,
im out of warranty so its my usual mechanic for me.

Are there any latest updates on this condition how did HOMER go on thanks all

Sorry - missed the update to the thread.

£242 incl vat for the alternator from Eurocarparts.
Fitting was by barter - I'm shifting 20 tons of chips around the mechanics new driveawy!!

Homer