V50 Electrics : Incorrect alternator 1.6 Drive?

[evokeEL84]

Hi!

I’ve recently bought a V50 1.6 Drive and I can see faults logged against the charging system stored in the car. The previous owner had a new battery and alternator fitted. I can tell the battery is incorrect as it’s a non stop/start variety. Can anyone confirm if the alternator I have is correct before I return to the garage?

All I can see on the label is “A7902 23821N-WB 21C3”. I haven’t been able to find anything for these numbers but does anyone know if this alternator is correct?

[iainmd]

This is what's been fitted:
https://www.arnoldclarkautoparts.com...it-23821n-wbuk
https://www.trodo.com/alternator-wai-23821n

Without looking up your VIN on VIDA I couldn't say what spec of alternator should be fitted to your car.

[wynnj]

Originally Posted by evokeEL84

Hi!

I’ve recently bought a V50 1.6 Drive and I can see faults logged against the charging system stored in the car. The previous owner had a new battery and alternator fitted. I can tell the battery is incorrect as it’s a non stop/start variety. Can anyone confirm if the alternator I have is correct before I return to the garage?

All I can see on the label is “A7902 23821N-WB 21C3”. I haven’t been able to find anything for these numbers but does anyone know if this alternator is correct?

Have you tried to clear the faults and seen if they recur; they could be the reason the battery and the alternator were changed in the first place.

The battery specified for a 2009 C30 1.6D drive is 150 Amp which yours appears to be, but there are part number changes at a specific chassis no. There is also a reference to Software that needs to be loaded when "changing from 120Amp alternator to 150Amp". May be a red herring but if the DTCs come back you may need to check that out.

I don't think there would be any negative consequences of using a Stop/Start battery in place of a standard; in fact I would expect better long term performance especially if you do a lot of short journeys where the battery doesn't have long enough to fully recharge. They cost more!

[evokeEL84]

Thanks guys.

I cleared the faults and P1632 keeps reappearing. I’ve contacted the garage and they’ve admitted to the battery being incorrect but understand the alternator to be correct. I’m collecting a new battery on the weekend so will see if the fault reappears. If it does, I’ll check the charge voltage and do some research to see if the software is required to be changed.

Thanks

[iainmd]

Your currently fitted alternator is 150A. If the previous alternator was 120A then your car needs a software update (Volvo part number 30782611) to rectify the ECU expecting a lower input. 2009 and newer 1.6D cars should have all had 150A alternators as standard but earlier models may have had 120A fitted.

The only way you'll know what the car is programmed for is with Volvo's VIDA diagnostic system. On the "Diagnostic -> Details" tab it will show the configured alternator output under "Vehicle Configuration".

As for the battery, according to VIDA, it depends on options fitted to your car:

760CCA - Start/Stop
700CCA - No Start/Stop, High Performance or Premium Sound, RTI, telematic system
600CCA - No Start/Stop, High Performance or Premium Sound, Volvo on Call, Keyless Locking System
520/590CCA - Standard

Ultimately, if the CCA is higher than you need it'll do no harm. Lower is a problem.