Alternator?

**wacky racer** · Saturday 23rd June 2012, 00:59

Whilst out driving tonight my 1.8 V50 developed a whine from the engine bay.
It is there all the time and increases with engine speed.
Also had the "power system urgent service" message come up on the dash, along with the battery light.
Looks like its prob an Alternator problem.
Anyone else had similar problems?
Thanks.

**zip929** · Saturday 23rd June 2012, 08:48

I had this, and it was the alternator. Gave me about 15 miles before it came to a halt.

http://www.vpcuk.org/forums/showthread.php?t=44327

**wacky racer** · Saturday 23rd June 2012, 15:01

Thanks.
Anyone know how much of a pain it is to change on the 1.8.
Looks a bit tight , how much other stuff needs to be stripped off?

**JUDGENINJA** · Saturday 23rd June 2012, 16:14

I know yours is a V50, but I have heard of a few V40's eating alternator pulleys..
Mine came off completely and spat the belt and pulley out of the engine bay at 40mph...

**wacky racer** · Saturday 23rd June 2012, 17:24

Hope to have a proper look at it tomorrow. Can only just see the thing never mind getting my hands to it!
Wish I had the 2.4 at least you can get to that, mine is under the steering pump.

**wacky racer** · Saturday 23rd June 2012, 21:49

Hopefully this is the same as mine, posted a link for future reference if anyone else needs to replace their alternator.
http://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/for...t=23502#p99479

**wacky racer** · Sunday 24th June 2012, 13:21

So i managed to get the Alternator off this morning.
The guide i downloaded was slightly different to what i have but helped.
Had a tensioner pulley ontop with mine which had to be unbolted, then the wing liner and engine undertray was removed for more space. Unbolted the alternator 1 bolt from above and 2 from below, and spent 15 minutes trying to get it out from the bottom of the engine bay.
Job took 1 1/2 hours to remove.
When i removed the alternator i was expecting to find a 150amp type, as i have Heated seats, but i found it has been fitted with a 120amp type.
If i upgrade to a 150amp type will it need a software update or cause any other problems ?
From what i have read on the net my car should have been fitted with a 150amp type due to the heated seats.
Confussed.

**wacky racer** · Sunday 24th June 2012, 15:48

Software update needed when fitting 150 amp instead of 120 amp alternator????????

**wacky racer** · Sunday 24th June 2012, 22:33

Bump.

**partsforvolvos.com** · Monday 25th June 2012, 13:07

yes you are correct, if you wish to uprate it from 120 to 150a you can but only a dealer or specialist with vida can programme the software.

**wacky racer** · Monday 25th June 2012, 13:38

Thanks.
I did look on your website a few days ago for a 120 amp alternator but could not see one for my car - V50 1.8 petrol 2006 with heated seats.
Only 120 amp one listed seemed to be for a 2.0 diesel V50.

**wacky racer** · Sunday 1st July 2012, 18:32

So , decided to put back the same as what came off. (120 AMP) Could not be bothered with the hastle of going to the dealer for an update if i fitted the 150 AMP Type.
Job took aprox 3 1/2 hours strip and fit. Not difficult , just a pain to get too. Had to remove the top adjuster to see the alternator and get to the top bolt. Then underneath to remove the bottom two bolts.
Had fun trying to make room for it to come out from underneath. Had to move a couple of looms out the way and an A/C pipe but just about comes out.
Started it up and all nice and quiet again, no warning lights/messages , didnt even need the radio code which was a bonus as i dont think ive got that. Will have to have a look.
Treated the car to a nice wash after as it still had half of Wales on it from the end of may! guess what, came out today a a bird has shat all over the windscreen , bonnet and screen. A nice runny one!!!

**local-looney** · Sunday 1st July 2012, 19:30

a friend has a v50 estate,diseasal variety and he had a problem with his battery goin flat..no problem so he thought til when he boosted it and turned the key,it wouldnt work! warning light with immobiliser fault....car went back to local main stealer who diagnosed(obviously dead battery) BUT the dealer(aftermarket)who supplied the car(08) had put a battery of lesser capacity which couldnt cope with the cars electrics...had new battery and had to have all keys re-programmed...he was well happy...NOT!!