What is draining the power from my car?

1994 VOLVO 940
218,000 MILES
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HOLLYD
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
Had symptoms of a bad alternator-while driving the lights going dim,radio going out and gas gauge failing. Had alternator tested and was told it was bad. The battery was good. Changed the alternator and drove about 14 miles during the day time and it was ok. That night drove about 7 miles and the same thing started happening as before-lights going dim, radio and gas gauge failing until the car finally died totally. Have not taken new alternator in to see if its bad. Wanted to know what could be draining the power from this car.
Feb 23, 2012 at 8:08 AM
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RASMATAZ
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 75,992 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
Get the new alternator load test if okay -see below



Feb 23, 2012 at 9:26 AM
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KHLOW2008
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 41,814 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
Either the new alternator is bad or you have a fault with the charging system. Ensure the haronic damper in the crank pulley is good. A bad harmonic damper would decrease the alternator running speed and charging rate.
Feb 23, 2012 at 11:51 AM
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