Alternator Questions
 

Hi, my charge light has lit up on the dash suggesting an alternator fault.
Before I take the plunge and buy a new one could someone kindly help me understand the following :

My car is a 2004 V40 estate with, a 1.9 turbo diesel engine, gas discharge headlights and climate control.

1) Seems there are two types of alternator, one with A/C and one without A/C, my alternator only has two connections what does the with or without A/C actually mean ?

2) My alternator is a Valeo part number SG12B071 rated at 125 Amps, when I look for a replacement I find ones that are rated at 120 AMPS that say will fit my car.

I am so confused, any help would be greatly appreciated.

Alternators rarely work at full capacity so I doubt there'll be any issue with 120A versus 125A if the fitment is correct.
When I had charging issues, I found that my brushes were worn and near the end of their travel so I fitted a new brush pack/regulator for about £30.
I have a Bosch alternator on my S60 and it was a very easy job but I don't know if that would be equally simple on yours.

Worth checking though.

A/C is Air conditioning , which all uk volvos have had since 2000 ...

Clan I know A/C stands for air conditioning, mine actually has climate control where you dial in a temperature and the system adjusts to achieve that temperature.
My question was given that I only have two wires connected to the alternator what difference as far as the alternator goes whether it is classed as A/C or non A/C.
Non A/c alternators are more expensive than A/C alternators, I would just like to know the difference between them.

Cheshired5, yes I have taken the cover off the alternator but the brushes and commutator look to be in fairly good shape, which is leading me to believe there is another problem.

the mounting bracket is probably different without AC ,
the volvo part number you need for your 125A alternator is 8251641

Probably best to get some DC Volts readings measured from the alternator B+ post and AC Volts if you have an accurate enough True RMS meter.
Also check the DC voltage at the feed wire into the alternator and perhaps do a diode check with a multimeter too.
You want more info than a dash charge warning light before you go fitting a replacement.

Clan thanks for the reply and the Volvo part number, I have asked them for a price but I suspect it will be very expensive.

cheshired5 I have tried to make some voltage readings as follows :

Engine off battery voltage 12.38
On tick over around 800rpm (with gas discharge headlights lit) voltage 11.69
At B+ terminal 11.62
At the small wire on alternator 1.26

Looks like the alternator is not putting out anywhere near the voltage it should.

what's it putting out when you hold the rpm at 2000 for a while?