Possible First Car

Should I get the alternator tested?

-Alex

Get the new battery first, and see what happens. No point paying extra unless it's actually a problem, and you'll know quickly after getting new battery. If you're still having problems after getting new battery, then get it tested.

Ok, here is the run down.

I went to Costco & got a new battery, car started fine. I then went to AutoZone and they identified the battery isn't being charged back up & the car is instead taking power directly from the battery. I drove 10 miles to a auto shop near my town & the battery went from 100% to 50% :wtf:. Im going back tomorrow so they can do a full evaluation & repairs.

*sigh*

-Alex

LeHap said:

Ok, here is the run down.

I went to Costco & got a new battery, car started fine. I then went to AutoZone and they identified the battery isn't being charged back up & the car is instead taking power directly from the battery. I drove 10 miles to a auto shop near my town & the battery went from 100% to 50% :wtf:. Im going back tomorrow so they can do a full evaluation & repairs.

*sigh*

-Alex

Click to expand...

Sounds like an altenator to me. Shouldn't be too costly luckily. I do advise not getting a remanufactured one though if that is the issue. I don't know how many remanufactured altenator I've put in over the years that come back within the month because it failed. Stick with a brand new one if you can afford it.

Of course pending an actual diagnosis

Hopefully!

How much should I be looking? $200? I would like some money left to buy clothes haha

-Alex

My guess would that the altenator would be like $150+ new like $125 remanufactured and then seeing as it's a volvo I'm sure the altenator won't exactly be easy to get to so probably another hour and a half to 2 hours of labor. Not doing it yourself will unfortunately be the downfall. Labor rates are typically between $80-$120

LeHap said:

Ok,

I was told the battery is the problem. We jumped started it & it's running fine now, he told me if the alternator was bad it wouldn't of started.

Car has been running for 5 mins now without shutting off?

-Alex

Click to expand...

That doesn't make sense to me. A dead alternator wouldn't prevent a car from starting if there was enough juice in the battery or the jumper battery.

GR3EN said:

Sounds like an altenator to me. Shouldn't be too costly luckily. I do advise not getting a remanufactured one though if that is the issue. I don't know how many remanufactured altenator I've put in over the years that come back within the month because it failed. Stick with a brand new one if you can afford it.

Of course pending an actual diagnosis

Click to expand...

After more than fifty years of car ownership and driving I've replaced several starters and alternators and always used rebuilt units. I think I only had one that wasn't acceptable and was replaced. I've been very happy with the rebuilds. It sounds like you're replacing them for customers, GR3EN, so I guess you have a much bigger data base of experience to look at than me so I won't challenge your findings. :yh:

After just now reading through this whole thread the thought was growing in my mind that anyone who is seriously interested in lasers quickly learns about battery care, recharging and testing. The same mindset goes into car ownership too.

Get a good automotive battery charger and testing equipment. You can do some battery testing with the DMM you use on your lasers if you learn what kinds of readings you should be getting under different conditions. You'll be glad you did when some cold winter morning you find you have a low battery because a light or some other current drain was left on in the car and you don't have enough cold cranking amps in your battery to get the car started.

I'm not criticizing you LeHap, just alerting you to the learning road ahead as you experience the joys of car ownership. Like in lasers, the more you know about the internals of the beast, the less dependent you'll be on other people who may or may not know what they're talking about. Happy learning. :yh:

Ed

GR3EN said:

My guess would that the altenator would be like $150+ new like $125 remanufactured and then seeing as it's a volvo I'm sure the altenator won't exactly be easy to get to so probably another hour and a half to 2 hours of labor. Not doing it yourself will unfortunately be the downfall. Labor rates are typically between $80-$120

Click to expand...

GR3EN Autozone wants $116 obviously rebuilt so I can imagine a Volvo dealers mark up? Autozone sells mainly Duracraft brand parts wich im not crazy about but there are other lowcost carpart stores on the same price level

Perhaps it is time to invest in a Service Manual for your car.

Turns out the alternator was bad.

Im looking @ $380 for a re-built one, plus 1-1/2 hour of labor.

-Alex

LeHap said:

Turns out the alternator was bad.

Im looking @ $380 for a re-built one, plus 1-1/2 hour of labor.

-Alex

Click to expand...

Wow that sounds like one mark up on the altenator, but that's the downfall of shops. Glad it wasn't something more major though

GR3EN said:

Wow that sounds like one mark up on the altenator, but that's the downfall of shops. Glad it wasn't something more major though

Click to expand...

Unfortunately, however I'll have the piece of mind knowing it's done right & correctly which is all I need! Their labor charge per hour is $120(so a little cheaper then the dealership, but not much).

I did find a 10% off labor coupon though :beer:

-Alex

Wow, lots of advice. These car guys seem very knowledgeable. . As you know,I also live in Northern California. I ride a motorcycle almost everyday ( unless it's raining ) We live in motorcycle paradise. So many beautiful roads,especially Highway one along the coast. More motorcycle riders in California then all the other states combined.( last I heard anyway )
4-5K will buy you an awesome used bike.
When I was your age, I had a virtually new bike,and a $100 car for the few rainy days we have. Plus we can lane split legally. Only state that it's legal to do it in. Take the motorcycle safety class to learn. ( better to drop their bikes then your own. ) you'll never get stuck in traffic, park wherever you want. Have a reason to get a cool leather jacket. Belong to the brotherhood of motorcycle enthusiasts. I'm 63, had a bike and license for it since 1970.
Currently riding a BMW S1000R. Learn to ride well, ride over, I'll let you try it out. The most fun you can have with your pants on.
I'm prepared to get some bad comments for recommending a bike.Donar cycles, graveyard ponys, yada yada.

What happened to the 30% discount on any parts you need, that the Dealer who sold you the car promised you?

Here is an OEM new not rebulit Volvo S40 Alternator and realted parts web site: VOLVO S40 ALTERNATORS & RELATED 2000-2012 at Swedish Auto Parts

Encap said:

What happened to the 30% discount on any parts you need to but that the Dealer who sold you the car promised you?

Here is an OEM new not rebulit Volvo S40 Alternator and realted parts web site: VOLVO S40 ALTERNATORS & RELATED 2000-2012 at Swedish Auto Parts

Click to expand...

I decided to not take the car to the place I bought it from since it was a little shady something new started braking after taking in to them every time.

-Alex

Encap said:

What happened to the 30% discount on any parts you need to but that the Dealer who sold you the car promised you?

Here is an OEM new not rebulit Volvo S40 Alternator and realted parts web site: VOLVO S40 ALTERNATORS & RELATED 2000-2012 at Swedish Auto Parts

Click to expand...

I just saw the link. Im telling you AutoZone told me $116 and a $26 core charge. I dont like to buy from them but used them as a reference. They tend to hire very young an less experienced workers, men and woman. Its 530 in the morning so cant call back, who knows mabey they quoted me one for a 1984 nova? Just realized that is a OEM alteranor