2007 Volvo XC90 3.2 Alternator Removal/Install/Fix Gear and Belt driven style
HTML-код
- Опубликовано: 9 сен 2024
- I haven't seen a video/pictures on youtube or the forums, on the issues with the Volvo 3.2 alternator charging issues from the bolt that comes loose on the engine side. When this is happening to you- you might hear a howling noise because of the gear spinning free on the tapered shaft coming out of the engine (bolt comes loose on its own). You can also look through the right side intake tubes, down to the alternator and see the small rubber belt not spinning; i could read the belt's yellow font that read FoMoCo (Ford Motor Company) since it was stationary. I forgot to mention in the video the obvious things. You have to take the 2, 8mm bolts out that attach the ram-air intake to the top of the radiator support and remove it from the air box completely. You have to loosen the hose clamp holding on the triangle shaped air charge chamber, attached to the black plastic vacuum pipe going from the top of the air-box to the throttle body (bottom of the intake is the throttle body)- then remove that entire big pipe BUT the triangle air charge chamber has to come out separate- there isn't enough clearance for both; 7mm hose clamps). There are 7, 10mm bolts that hold the top of the intake plenum on- those plenum gaskets are worth 20/each- be careful so you can reuse them. There is a small coolant hose with quick connect that needs to be disconnected in the middle, top of the intake that comes from the expansion tank. My video has the rest. Turns out there is no updated bolt/parts, i checked with a friend at Volvo that confirmed this.
WARNING: If it is not the bolt like in my case, do not use a rebuilt or reman alternator on these vehicles. Volvo has seen blown ECM's in the xc90's from the inferior voltage regulators used from china that are installed on the aftermarket units. The factory oem unit is Bosch- stay safe, the ECM is worth several thousand. Also, the new alternators do not come with the gear drive pulley, volvo has a special tool for removal and install onto a new unit. I hope this helps some people. Let me know in the comments if you have more questions or need pictures.
Man, you saved me a lot of money. The alternator was replaced and I also replaced the battery. Afterwards, my truck just kept losing power. It sat idle for 4 months because I didn't have to money to bring it to Volvo. I saw this video and had a mechanic to check that bolt. That was the problem. Charged me $50! Thanks 👍🏾
I really appreciate that feedback kingxodus. Gotta love the RUclips.
@@MidknightMechanics Yes Sir!
I'm a retired auto mechanic, trying to help a friend in another state. Your video is still helping people in 2023! This allowed me to see what he's describing. Thanks!
I really appreciate that feedback zedbear.
Same exact problem here with my 2008 Volvo XC70. You would think the manufacturer had corrected the problem by now. Very helpful video! Red loctite and a couple of hits with the impact wrench and the bolt should hold for at least another 100,000 miles. Being new in working on the Volvo engine, it took a good 3 hours to disassemble, and 2 hours to reassemble. Voltage reading is now 14.65 with engine running.
Thanks 2008 xc90 3.2 104,000 mile loose bolt as seen in video . Save me lots of money
thank you for the great information. you have saved me lots of time. Mine has the loose bolt problem as well... one addition... the alternator is removable without taking the intake manifold out. four bolts holding the alternator is reachable if you loosen and push the air hoses on the driver side of intake away, so you can access the alternator mounting bolts. slowly pull bolts away and pull the alternator to passenger side by wiggling... (that small belt holds it good)...you need a short 10mm sockets with a long wrench for strength, but it is doable... I did it without removing intake... thank you for the great information again... if I did not know it can be that bolt..I would start by taking everything out too..
You got it Mark, very glad I could help. Thank you for your additional info.
Hope this message can be delivered after 6 years.... I have the same issue, and now am thinking of doing the same thing by not removing the air intake manifold. If you recall, did you loosen the manifold at all? or you still unbolted it from the top? "The air hoses on the driver side of intake away" not sure what they are...
Had worries that my alternator was bad. And we noticed that the alternator was not spinning even though the engine was running and the battery needed charge. You could twist that coupler belt freely as well. Was getting low 12's high 11's volts after it was fully charged and was running. After seeing your explanation of that bolt holding the other gear in place coming lose we unboltrd the alternator, finally pulled it free and found that bolt was so loose we just back it out by hand. Put some lock tight on it and cranked it back down put the alternator back on and the alternator is now back to charging. We were able to do all this without removing the air intake thankfully as what a headache that would have been. I do not think you can replace the alternator this way but you can unbolt and slide it out of the way to tighten the bolt that comes loose. Just took a long time to figure out how to remove the alternator after getting all the bolts off. The bottom two bolts have a sorta flange that sits inside the frame mount. So you have to pull and twist rather than just slide out.
Dude, you saved me a ton of $. I'm a pro and jumped to the conclusion that the alternator was bad. Almost shelled out over $600 for a new one. A little red Loctite and an impact and I'm done. After watching this I realized that this can be checked by spinning the alternator with a long screw driver through the intake runner. If it spins, loose bolt or bad belt.
Thanks for that extra tip!
thank you for sharing your video. looks like a similar set up to my 2008 XC70 3.2. this is the closest video i could find applying to my situation.
Was getting a power system error. Watched this video, saw that my alternator was not spinning at all. Tightened the screw after taking it all apart and i am good to go! Unfortunately didn't have any locktite, but, oh well.... Thank you for posting this video! ! !
Hell yea Stepp!
Thx a lot. I have a XC90 2009 3.2L and got the evil power system failure urgent message as well as antiskid and abs turning off, etc. Checking as you said the alternator coupler, it could be turned by hand and, with the engine running, it did not turn so the alternator had no chance of doing its job. My garage (not a Volvo dealer) agreed to check the bolt and it was indeed loose. It saved me a very expensive alternator! Note that with the intake manifold needing to be removed, gaskets inspected (changed in my case) and the rubber coupling changed (because anyway it should after 200,000 km), it is still a 4 hours job with a few expensive little parts from Volvo. Glad I found your post! Thx again.
+Michel Duron VERY glad it helped Mike!!! Luckily a few expensive little parts is still a fraction of the cost of an alternator!
Thanks for posting this - turned out to be my exact issue. Fixed in 1.5hrs for $0.
lamintdog You got it my friend. Thank you very much for the feedback
Thank you so much for this video man. Without it, I probably would have taken our 2008 xc90 to the dealership and dropped $1,200. My issue was exactly what your video pointed out, so I was confident the new alternator was not necessary. After I put it all back together, worked like a charm. The throttle body was a beating but other than that, not too bad. Thanks a ton man.
I'm very happy it helped Jen. I was hoping this video would help at least someone and i really appreciate you letting me know. I searched the forums many hours trying to find information on this issue and couldn't find anything in print, pics or video- so i really wanted to help others out by putting this video up.
Thanks for the video. FoMoCo is Ford Motor Company - the owners of Volvo at that time.
I think the Volvo engines were built in a Ford plant in England, Ford owned Volvo thru 2006.
Thank you. My 2008 I6 had the same problem. I took off the intake manifold and indeed the bolt came loss so no charging. I locktite the bolt and 6 month already no issues. Thanks a lot!
Anytime Leon. Thank you so much for the feedback, really appreciate that.
Oscar winning video! God forbid if Volvo service share this knowledge with you.. most probably their diagnostic will be power failure due to bad alternator! Salesman will guide you to a fancy lounge where cappuccino is served free..Wait till they finish your car and serve you with a $ 1800 - $2300 bill then you realise that was the most expensive cup of cappuccino you ever drank😢.. joking aside, I would like to add …always make it a point to replace the dam bolt with a New one. Never use the old one even if it looks OK.. it’s all about brand new healthy threaded bolt at this point…Thanks a million for sharing 👍
Thanks for video. Had the Power System Warning and this was the problem. back to 14v! Thanks!! How is this not a Volvo service tech bulletin. Saved me from getting an new alternator!
That feedback is much appreciated Jim
Thanks for the video, my wifes car was not charging and this bolt was loose. I put some red loctite on it and its been perfect now. Thanks again, btw FoMoCo stands for ford motor company. I think they owned volvo for a little while back then. That tiny belt is $80 at orielly's, autozone, and advanced if anyone is wondering...
Glad it helped trab. Thanks for the feedback, I appreciate that. Yea when i did the video i had a brain fart not remembering the FoMoCo abbreviation, but i ended up putting it in the video description. They without a doubt owned Volvo a while back. It's amazing to me how many people this video has helped already, i'm glad i posted it!
I had the same issue loose bolt and charging system failure message. Question. Are you able to spin the pully on the shaft by hand. Mines seems very tight? Do I need to beat the pully on the shaft lightly to get it to seat properly?
Kudos brother!!! I was fearing a $500 repair bill, until I found this video. Thanks for this. Constructive critique: it would have been awesome watching you dismantle the intake. However, after re-watching, I found what I was missing (2 bottom bolts). Hoping the coupler or gear bolt is my issue, although I'm fairly certain a new alt is in store for me :-/
I had the same issue loose bolt and charging system failure message. Question. Are you able to spin the pully on the shaft by hand. Mines seems very tight? Do I need to beat the pully on the shaft lightly to get it to seat properly?
Really wish these would show process of removing intake manifold.. that's the hard part obviously
I'm sure someone has said this already but "FoMoCo" actually stands for Ford Motor Company and it what they stamp on a lot of their parts. Kinda weird since this is a Volvo. Thanks for the video though!
Hey David. Yea i mentioned it in my description, i don't know why i didn't remember that. It's because Ford owned Volvo for many years.
Awesome!!! You are the man!!! Thanks so much! Saved me loads of work and money: Landrover Freelander2, 3.2 4x4 HSE
Wile E. Coyote You got it my friend. Thank you very much for the feedback
I might add that my gear needed to be tapped on pretty forcefully with a ball pein hammer till there is no gap from the outside view (you can see if it's all the way on ) the shaft was scored/burnt looking and the inside of gear was too, so I beat it on there!!!!! works great...
Gotta do what you gotta do right John- nice work with that. Imagine what it would cost to somehow have that shaft replaced coming out of the engine.... no thanks.
wow this helped me a bunch, my 2009 land rover lr2 shares the same motor but in 3.5 liter. Very informative video, thank you!
Did you have any luck just tightening that bolt and putting the alternator back? Mine was loose and I'm not sure if I should just put it back on or buy a new alternator Atwell
Oh I just used loctite on the bolt, and kept my same alternator. OEM Volvo alternators are known to reach 200K mi.
@@MidknightMechanics nice. Its only got 120k so I'll just be doing the same tomorrow. I appreciate it man thank you.
SAME THING happened to the xc90 im working on. I was able to get the alternator off and away from the coupler and gear without removing the intake manifold. Now lets see if I can put it back together without removing the intake XD
nice work without having to remove the intake my friend!
@@MidknightMechanics very tough getting the alternator back on, have to push it onto the engine block and shimmy it till you can just get the bottom bolts started then the tops last. I also had the voltage regulator off, might have given me extra room to move the alt. Not sure its faster but it worked, thanks again for the video, it was extremely helpful
Anyone had any lunch on fixing the axle while torquing the bolt back? I’ve only been able to hold the AC compressor belt on the other side by hand but was hoping to find a way to lock the axle from spinning properly…
Did you figure it out?
@@Tony-yn5un Not yet. Held on as tight as I could and used - a lot - of strong loctite.
@@fredrikborjesson7471gotcha thanks
I’m having a problem where I can’t take that bolt off because the whole serpentine belt set up spins as I try to lighten or loosen belt
Thanks. You just saved me about $1000.
You got it Sheldon. Throw a thumbs up on my video if you don't mind.
Great help for odd design.
the alternator clutch need to be changed,. the clutch get stuck and put to much torque on the bolt . the problem with no charging will come back if the gear and bolt only is changed
Indeed a normal system will not lossen the bolt. But a failed alternator clutch will put too much torque on the bolt and loss it (during deceleration). Tighten the bolt with locktite is a bandit. If your are already taking the off the intake manifold, replace the clutch, or a new alternator which usually come with a new clutch.
BTW if your alternator clutch is failing, chances are your serpentine belt clutch is also failing too. it too should be replaced or you risk having your belt ripped apart like mine's.
I believe I have just learned this the hard way. Replaced the gear only (it had cracked and some pieces broken off) just a few weeks ago and the light is on again. I will now be replacing the clutch, and possibly the gear again if it has also been damaged again.
Thanks for the video. Volvo has some interesting setups!
Thanks man for the vid. This was exactly my issue. Huge thanks.
Thank You, old video but just had the same issue with the bolt, a squeal the other night and no charging, then the Power System error message.
You got it Tim. Thanks for the comment man
@@MidknightMechanics Cheers, I need to source that pulley that bolts on, mine has chewed the raised flange off the back
I would never have guessed iI will definitely try these since I just bought new alternator, even autozone told me it was alternator since it kept on stalling.
This will most likely be it my friend
Good 👍 information 👌 Thank-you
What tool did you use to hold the grey spinning clutch gear to remove and tighten the bolt that came loose? Did you buy the one that FCP Euro sells or something else? Thanks.
Hey Chris- to loosen, nothing- since it was loose. To tighten, I used an OTC strap wrench (carefully).
Having a lot of trouble with the electrical clip on the very bottom of the air intake to the rear of the throttle. How do you grab it? Pinch and pull?
I have an 05 Volvo xc90 that if not driven everyday, will not start. clerk at autozone tells me it is a parasite. a neighbor tells me that the diodes in the alternator are bad. I have hooked a meter and went checked every fuse, could not find anything(not sure if I did it right). should I replace the alternator or do you have another suggestion.
Thanks for the video! Had me cthu at FO-MO-CO, lol.
When putting the intake manifold back on, I’m replacing the 6 gaskets...do I have you use some kind of sealant? A dab of motor oil?
The THINNEST coat of motor oil with your finger is never a bad idea.
So I have this same vehicle 07 Volvo XC90, JUST hit 100,000 miles. I am getting the message I believe it says service battery charging system urgent. It comes and goes, usually on when I first crank my car for about the first 10-15 mins. Could this be my problem or would it just not be charging the battery period?? Someone told me this would only be the case if it wasn’t working at all not if it was working poorly. I am also having abs and anti skid come on and off like someone else mentioned, could this be related or something totally unrelated?
Ashley so this is how the issue starts, the gear starts to spin on the shaft, and will sometimes charge, and then not charge because the gears starts to strip the shaft. With only 100kmi, it would be very rare for the alternator itself to already be faulty. Have that gear checked like in my video; as soon as you can. It's not good to keep driving during this condition.
Did it happen again ? I’m on
3 rd time .
Same thing here . I can't believe it . Thanks
Thank you for the feedback Roy, appreciate that. Very glad it helped.
It happens because of the decoupler pulley on the other side fails. You have to maintain the belt drive pulleys
Actually It happens because the pulley bolt comes loose, on the engine side Matteo.
Do you know where the ECM located on this Modul?
@Midnight Mechanic. Please help why is this repeating itself . I ll be getting the bolt in your video & using Green loctite .
Any other suggestions? Stop this from repeating .
The Loctite is a must. There's a lot of toque on that bolt from the engine spinning the sprocket. I've never had it happen again.
@@MidknightMechanicsWe added red the 1st time but prob failed to hold the gear tight enough . The bolt seemed tight along thinking red would work . 5 days later 2 time it de-threaded again & bolt was sitting there .
We held gear tight ,no repeat loc-tight due to thinking holding the gear would tighten .it wouldn’t budge we believed it was solved & tight .
Both times the vehicle was used immediately post confirmation it was back up ,spinning ,charging .
3rd time is charm …
Any tips ?
@@MidknightMechanicsthank you for quick response. This model is enormous on the roads so I’m certain it’s been finalized.
@@MidknightMechanicsWe will tackle the issue today . I’m gonna get Volvo bolt ,green loctite & maybe impact wrench.
Cool Video
Thanks buddy
Just like the bolt that holds the steering wheel on can loosen off and the steering wheel becomes loose. 2007 XC90 only. Weird.
Excellent video. I just replaced my alternator and battery and the battery still will not charge. This could be the solution. Thank you
If the bolt is tight does the gear spin by hand? As I can spin it both direction with my hand. Just curious as that maybe the issue I'm experiencing.
Nope, if it’s tight you should not be able to spin it by hand. Sounds like your gear is just slipping on the shaft
@@MidknightMechanics thanks for your help. Highly appreciated
Great Video. I'm working on a 2009 S80 w/3.2 Engine same issue wish I knew about the anti-freeze from the house over the housing. I had the same issue loose bolt and charging system failure message. Question. Are you able to spin the pully on the shaft by hand. Mines seems very tight? Do I need to beat the pully on the shaft lightly to get it to seat properly?
So, you should not be able to spin the pulley on the shaft after you torque it down. You should use loctite on the bolt that holds the pulley, and zip the bolt in with an impact but don't drive it home to hard, once the impact threads it all the way in and the bolt head contacts the pulley- stop tightening. Or, you can use a strap wrench on the pulley to hold it from spinning, and torque the pulley bolt with a torque wrench to about 45 ft lbs which will be plenty (in addition to the loctite).
nicktech360 Thanks for the quick update. Glad you are still on email notification. What happens if the antifreeze gets in the exhaust when I took it off? I cleaned up as much as I can see in the ports?
In the exhaust manifold or the intake manifold? Don't worry about that, it will easily burn off causing some white smoke. Since coolant isn't combustible, it will slowly burn off without a flame, more like evaporate and cause smoke because of the high heat.
nicktech360 Thanks again for the Great Video and advise. I REALLY APPRECIATE you taking the time. Cheers Mate
what is the torque on this bolt
Joe I wish i had a way of knowing. I went for the equivalent of 100-120 ft lbs.
I'm also looking for torque. I'm afraid 100 - 120ft lb may break 13mm bolt. Can you please confirm again.
Video is very helpful. I got the dreaded light on my 2007 XC90 but I can see the belt you mentioned spinning. Could it still be the same problem with the loose bolt? I'm seeing very big voltage spikes when the car is running.
The factory alternators take about 160-200Kmi to wear out, so if you are no where near that mileage- yep, i guarantee its that bolt that's come loose. You should watch the belt closely and see if you can see it changing speeds or skipping around. But you'll have to not drive the car because it's very risky until you've fixed it.
@@MidknightMechanics I'm tackling looking at the bolt today and will let you know. I haven't been driving it and it's at 138k miles currently. Really appreciate this video and the response!
@@MidknightMechanicshelp !
3 rd time bolt has loosened. Gonna tackle 3rd time tomorrow. Looking for permanent solution.
Oh...Iv put my 3.2 xc90 tonight on mechanic...problem with alternator, first screaming noise...then all lamp on board will on and my Ingrid will not drive anyway...hope no cost very much...Ill try tell the mechanic for that possible malfunction...thanks for sharing experience
Omg....I just met a mechanic and the same problem is with my xc90....Im extremly grateful for this video....🤩🤩🤩
Won't unplugging the throttle body cause issues? Or no since the battery will be unplugged? I have an 08
Hi Anna. Nope, not on this version of the xc90. Only certain vehicles have very specific warnings on disconnecting the throttle body harnesses. This isn't one of them luckily.
@@MidknightMechanics ok. Ive had problems with my audi throttle body messing up so i thought id ask. Do you know if the alternator is bad would it make a loud squeeking noise ? My husband is saying its the pulley but i know its the alternator because it keeps draining my battery
@@MidknightMechanics and my check engine light just went on for codes po171 & po174 😭 i wish i could pay you to fix this
Volvo recommendation is to replace bolt and gear. 👍
Yep I'm not surprised.
Hello t5rguy im in the need to replace the thermostat housing, and I'm aware that i need to remove the intake plenum. is there a way around this? i have try to remove the intake and throttle body but i can't seem how to remove bolts or even fit my hand down there. any advise or instruction will be appreciatte thanks
+edwin41141, remove the fans.
Thanks for the video! Help us out!
Got everything back together. All the lights (battery, red triangle light, etc...) still on. Does it need to be rest to make these all go away?
+Ashley Clark No rest Ashley but if you didn't disconnect the battery during the alternator install, now that the work is done, disconnect the battery for 5 minutes and then reconnect. Go for a test drive, and see if the lights went out. If this doesn't help and your battery light is still on, 95% of the time it's a dead regulator on the alternator = alternator needs a rebuild. With somewhere over 100K mi, it is common for regulators to burn up and trigger the battery warning lamp on your dash.
Please how do i remove the fresh air line clip? press or pull thank you
squeeze and pull
I have a 2008 xc90 with the opposite charging warning. Light reads system is overcharging, please safely stop vehicle (or something close). You seen any relation to that type issue? Before this it would occasionally have parasitic draw of power, losing power while turned off and could not restart the vehicle intermittently.
No, not yet. This is usually a bad regulator issue (built into the alternator). How many miles?
@@MidknightMechanics I thought about that part inside the alternator also. About 200k miles, seemed odd with parasitic draw occasionally before too when off. Thanks for video and reply
Hey, great video. Do you happen to have one of removing the intake manifold first? I am having trouble with the connectors and I dont want to break them. thanks
I wish I did Derek, there was just absolutely no where to fit a camera in the front end between the Radiator and the intake. On the Volvo- study an easy to get to you connection, maybe like the MAF, and you see how the connector works, so that you can then disconnect the intake harnesses just by feel. Remember, to take the pressure off the clip, gently push the connector IN first, then push the release, and then slide off. Taking the pressure off the clip by pushing it in first makes a MASSIVE difference.
Hey thanks a lot for this Video, gonna fix my sisters S80 with the 3.2 has this exact issue. by the way do you know the torque spec for the bolt?
Tight af 😂
Do i need to use the seal or can i just tighten the bolt?
The Loctite is a MUST. If you can't get green (permanent), atleast use Blue (semi-permanent). Every auto parts store carries the Blue.
Very helpful. Thanks
my problem is chain transmition. If have any video... please
from a difficulty stand point how would you rate this job. Great insight, thanks for taking the time to post.
Just checking, any updates parts you think or anyone knows about any updated parts to fix this issue? New bolt perhaps?
Hey Antonio- when they put out the TSB some years ago, it was only to replace the bolt with the same one, and apply permanent thread lock (red).
@@MidknightMechanics That helps man. Thank you. Was just wondering if they had upgraded the bolt but typical Volvo. They build the car, it has issues but they don't really rectify the part that causes the issue. Thanks man. Your video is super helpful and the talk of the town on the Volvo forum boards!
I have the exact same xc90, 2007. I replaced the alternator with one I brought from auto zone, but it's not charging. It ran for 15 minutes, then the power system failure came right back on. What can be wrong?
The exact reason in my video Dedric- take the AutoZone alternator out and take the belt off, and see if you can spin the gear with your hand. If you can, you know the bolt is loose that holds it onto the shaft. If this is true go get your factory alternator back. The AutoZone reman are made in Mexico and garbage.
2008 3.2 XC90 same same,,,thanks much, reman alt is 200+ those sensors wires are a itch
Thanks for the video man
Is that a special tool to hold the headgear while you tighten the Bolt
I used a strap wrench mike, kind of the only thing that can hold a gear, unless you have clearance for massive channel locks.
@@MidknightMechanics thank you I put the boat back on what a new alternator runs good but I don't know how long it's going to last because I didn't use the thread type
All I need to know is how to remove a switch from the very bottom, my hand won't fit through the small opening on the bottom, between the chassis and the radiator, that and the air line are the only things in my way to find out if I got the bolt problem or if it's indeed the alternator, please shine some light my way, I'd really appreciate it!!
+J_Galindo76 What are your symptoms? What's your voltage reading at the battery while the car is running?
+Mike Kull I fixed the problem, pulled everything apart, and sad to say, it wasn't the the bolt, it was indeed the alternator, which it was totally my fault, a few months back, I changed the oil on the truck, my wife took it for a spin right after only to find out I had forgot to put the oil cap back, needless to say, it did a mess under the hood, when she got back, I tried to clean everything as much as I could but oil got to the alternator diodes, so after a month or so, it stopped charging, finally got it off, and put it back, retested with a voltmeter and got a steady 14.3 volts
+Mike Kull It has at least for 4 instances that I know of. The only reason the shaft would have to be replaced is if the threads inside were stripped. If your bolt came loose like everyone else's, it vibrates loose... There's real reason why it would strip the shaft threads. Also There is no reason why the pulley needs replacement unless the inside is all chewed up from spinning while loose. The one I had, the pulley was still in mint condition after being driven while loose for several days.
Where can I find video
is same to my car..thank you for yours videos... is posible a video how fix or reemplace de chain transmition...thank you
What are the torque spec for that bolt that came loose?
Did you get an answer for this?
Are the o ring gaskets for the intake reusable?
+Ashley Clark IF they still feel rubbery, without ANY cracks, they SHOULD be fine to reuse. The thing is, if they do have some tiny issue like a tear or crack- they can/will leak vacuum pressure, and it will set off the check engine lamp for a misfire or other emissions codes. It's too bad they are so expensive. I think the set from Volvo was either $100 or $120 if i remember correctly. Personally, if you plan on keeping it forever - best practices is always to replace them. -Nick
I have a 2012 xc70 3.2 that is not charging. Do you know if that car has this same setup? Thanks for the video and info.
Frets Nirvana I am 95% sure it has the exact same setup. Are you getting any howling noises from under the hood? How many miles?
Hi, thanks for the response. No no howling noises just not charging. This car only has 65k miles on it so it is really frustrating that the alternator is not charging. I got at and pulled the regulator, but physically it looks good. I cannot figure out how to bench test the regulator because there are no positive and negative leads on it. So I now suspect the alternator itself and found your video. I am going to see if I can try and see the small belt and see if it moves freely but at any rate it is looking like I need to remove the alternator, see if I discover the loose bolt you describe and if not I guess replace the alternator. That won't be cheap of course and not a good testament to Volvo's lasting for lots of miles.
Ok that belt seems tight and won't move so I don't think it is the bolt problem you came across. Scratching my head on an alternator going bad at 65k miles. That intake manifold looks like a real PITA to take off. Do you have to jack the car up and get at some bolts underneath?
Frets Nirvana so hold on, did you test it while in the car? Because the alternator will still have resistance if you try and spin that belt to see if it's spinning on the shaft coming out of the engine. This is incredibly rare for 65k... What I would do if I was you- gently use pliers or a strap wrench and try and spin the belt/pulley on the alternator if you can even access it. If you took the intake off this will be easy. If the belt or alternator pulley will spin with not much effort while using pliers, you'll know that it is spinning on the shaft of the motor- which relates directly to my video. But if it takes a lot of force to spin the belt or pulley you'll know it's trying to spin the engine, because it is tight with no issues- on the shaft coming out of the engine.
Frets Nirvana also what I was able to do was take a flashlight and look through the space in between the veins on the intake, and see the edge of the pulley spinning on the shaft, this will definitely take a steady I to catch. Make sure before having to pull the intake off to get the car scanned and see what comes up for codes if any. Is the battery symbol on, on your dash?
Awesome video !!
I am having charging issues with my XC90 2007, 2.4 Can it be the same problem ?
May you be able to light me about this ?
Thanks a lot !
Hey Erik. Honestly the 2.4 is not offered here in the US in the XC90, so I'm not familiar with that engine. Where on earth are you from? It could be possible that maybe they used the same gear and pulley design, but i don't know for sure. You just might have an alternator that's tired. How many KM? Is your battery light on, on the dash? On the 3.2, the alternator is behind the intake, mounted on the front of the engine- and you can actually see the pulley through 2 of the intake veins. I have a picture for you if you send me a message on Google+. Otherwise, i don't think it's possible to attach a picture here on RUclips.
t5rguy
Hey kaptain !
I am territbly sorry for not replying you sooner, have been travelling a lot.
I am in Norway, bought this car over a bit over 1 year. It was ok for the first months (even though the battery was empty one week after I bought it - should have known better...) I drove 30000km with it, now its on 185500km.
I am not sure as well about the location of the alternator, need to take a time to check it properly.
I've been having a big electrical problems with this car for the past months....I checked the charging rate with the voltmeter and it's not ok (right over 13v)- but I think it's also some leakage of battery. For example, the DVD turns on out of the blue..the lights in the panel get suddenly in full brightness and then pale, the bulbs on the left side of the car burns way before the ones on the right side, the thermometer as well as the side mirror on the right are not working....oh my...I ask myself why I bought this car. It's too expensive for me already - dunno what do to.
If you have any hints for the problems mentioned, I'll be so thankful !!
Thanks a lot in advance ! Wish you a great week !
THanks, found my problem :-)... how do you tighten the screw without moving the coupler at the same time?
I just zipped it right in with a half inch impact, they spin so fast that it's tight before the coupler on the engine spins.
t5rguy I would use a 3/8 impact. It doesn't take that much to take those bolts out. :p
roarpony I end up using a bosch impact drill and put those blue loctite, let's pray it works , I hate tearing it a part again :-\
If tightening with a socket wrench and the pulley turns will that cause a problem with the READ system or timing?
Just reference this video, my alternator clutch failed causing it to slip constantly and not charge
Good video
Where do you get the intake plenum gaskets for $20 from? My local dealer, Field's Volvo in Waukesha, WI quoted me $48.96each!!! I am preparing to do this job on my 2010 S80 T6 w/114k miles on it. Just want to be prepared with a cheaper source if these gaskets need to be replaced. Do you know of an aftermarket source for the Alternator Decoupler Pulley and the Coupling Belt/Sleeve>
Hey JDavid. I actually said $20 Each from Volvo... My buddy at Volvo said don't hesitate to reuse the originals (unless of course they are torn).
I would like to know if you changed the pulley and coupling. If so, what tool did you use and how. I hear a whinning sound coming from the alternator. An alternator shop told me its the bearings. Thanks.
riley633 No I did not change the pulley and coupling. My whining sound came from the metal pulley on the engine side- the bolt holding the pulley was loose, so it was free spinning, making the loud whine. Take the alternator off and check the pulley- look at my video again, i take a close up of the pulley and bolt. If your bolt isn't loose, its definitely the bearing in the alternator pulley. I don't take alternators apart, bring it to an alternator / starter specialist if I were you but DO NOT let them install a new (Chinese) regulator on it- they are known to fry ECU's because of out of tolerance voltage fluctuation
Tell your buddy at Volvo that it's not a great advise. Depending on the gasket if it's contaminated with oil, replace them. Usually after 35K these seals are contaminated. The alternator will make a whine noise but this noise when it's ready to fail it'll make a distinctive noise. Also pay attention to the bearing, there's going to be some metal shavings around the READ unit. I've seen a lot of these specially on the older models since Ford decided not to use lock tight, use blue. There's a special tool to hold the pulley that's driven by the READ unit to apply the right torque.
t5rguy
@ t5rguy. I watched your video 5 times. I finally saw the dowels you were referring to. If I can only get the darn alternator off the car, Ill take it to an alternator shop and have the bearings replaced. And of course I will locktight that bolt myself.
I wish you could of showed a full video of it 😩
Sorry friend. Just go for it, you'll surprise yourself
I would like to see how to put water pump on
Depends on the year of the vehicle. If you have a power steering pump being driven by the water pump :P
volvo: charging ridiculous prices for unreliable parts. volvos suck.
Piece of shit vehicle Volvo went downhill when they got rid of the 240
Uhm.....
So did you replace the alternator, or just tighten down that bolt??
Just tightened, and Loctite the bolt
@Midknight Mechanics thanks!!! I will try that first.
@@MidknightMechanicshasn’t worked for me ?!