850 ALTERNATOR

My '95 850 turbo wagon wouldn't turn over yesterday - lights seemed OK but
turning the key resulted in a click and lights dimmed. Jump start worked
fine.

I took the car in to a Goodyear dealer today and they ran a diagnostic.
They load tested and said the alternator seems weak, only pumping 25 or 30
amps to the battery. Price for a replacement was $400+.

Does this diagnosis seem correct? I see I can get a new part mailorder for
$274 including a $60 "core charge". Is this a relatively easy replacement?
( I used to replace MGB generators back in the day ... but there were a
couple feet of working space under that hood and I was a lot younger ... and
come to think of it, I did that fix more than once ... ).

Thanks.

Chas

 

It is a doable job, you will need a new serp. belt as well, don't reuse the
old one. Do you have a Haynes manual or Chilton? volvospeed.com could be of
some help too

 

With most "new style" electronic charging system testers the 850
alternators don't show a particularly high rate of charge. The more
important things to check are: the battery (charge state, internal
resistance, etc) and most importantly the voltage drop in the battery
cables. There was some discussion about the way the negative cable
was(is) connected to ground both on the chassis and engine sides and the
effect on charging. This is also related to the high voltage being
provided to the head lamps. I don't have the bulletin anymore but perhaps
someone else in the group can provide the info.

Bob