Volvo C30 Alternator & Serpentine Belt Replacement DIY (C30, S40, C70, V50)

► Your Volvo's alternator, along with the serpentine belt that powers it, is critical vehicle components. In this DIY, Nate Vincent walks us through the steps, tools, and parts needed to replace both from start to finish on a Volvo C30. This DIY is applicable to all of the P1 and P3 chassis 5-cylinder Volvos (turbo and/or naturally aspirated).
Alternator Failure Symptoms:
-Battery drains while the car is running
-Low voltage generated while the car is running
-Dim or flickering headlights
-Dim or flickering interior lights
-Electrical systems such as the radio, power windows, or sunroof do not function
Serpentine Belt Failure Symptoms:
-Squealing Noises
-Power steering failure
-Belt fraying/splitting
-Visibile cracks on the belt
-Engine overheating/running hot
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This DIY is applicable to the following vehicles:
Volvo C70
2007 Volvo C70 Alternator
2008 Volvo C70 Alternator
2009 Volvo C70 Alternator
2010 Volvo C70 Alternator
2011 Volvo C70 Alternator
2012 Volvo C70 Alternator
2013 Volvo C70 Alternator
Volvo S40
2007 Volvo S40 Alternator 150 Amp- From Chassis # 250053- And Up (Last 6 digits of VIN)
2008 Volvo S40 Alternator
2009 Volvo S40 Alternator
2010 Volvo S40 Alternator
2011 Volvo S40 Alternator
Volvo V50
2007 Volvo V50 Alternator 150 Amp - From Chassis # 270050- And Up (Last 6 digits of VIN)
2008 Volvo V50 Alternator
2009 Volvo V50 Alternator
2010 Volvo V50 Alternator
2011 Volvo V50 Alternator
Volvo C30
2008 Volvo C30 Alternator
2009 Volvo C30 Alternator
2010 Volvo C30 Alternator
2011 Volvo C30 Alternator
2012 Volvo C30 Alternator
2013 Volvo C30 Alternator
Index:
Intro 00:00
Gain access to the serpentine belt 02:16
Remove the belts 03:50
Remove the belly pan and intake components 06:35
Replace the alternator 17:26
Reinstall the intake components 27:36
Install the new tensioners and belts 37:26
Reinstall the belly pan 42:14
Check your work 45:47
Reinstall the remaining parts 48:17
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[@fcpeuro]

Shop The Parts Used In This Video Here: www.fcpeuro.com/products/volvo-alternator-s40-v50-c30-c70-al0859x?

[@toddengle7907]

You just saved me $1,100! That was eleven hundred dollars, I didn't have. I was able to change out the Alternator in my C30 in about 4.5 hours (I'm slow). This video made that happen, thank you!

[@adisl6659]

Im going to do my alternator tomorrow on my 2.0diesel.. garage told me 1200€, that's Alot of money.

[@amanite5845]

Wow this is really a great video!! I discovered by accident and it covers all 3 of my issues: I have to clean the throttle body due to a probable air leak, remove the alternator pulley since it is making a squeeking sound, and i have to replace both belts and tensioners (since it should be done when removing alternator). This video really covers all of that! :)

[@fcpeuro]

Woohoo!!

[@barrybaker2963]

Such a well done video, with plenty of narration to explain everything you need to know about each step along the way... bravo!!

[@fcpeuro]

Thank you so much!

[@eckhardgreif2409]

Super Anleitung, da ich in deutsch kein Video finden konnte, so habe ich doch mit Eurem Video in englisch den Generator sehr leicht auswechseln können. Vielen Dank dafür und weiter so.

[@tomthompson7400]

Perfect timing ,, Ive just had my alternator pack in ,, and Im waiting for the new oil filter housing to arrive too , lots of work and all in the same area ,, saves me from doing it all twice i guess .. great video very clear and well shot. credit to the production crew.

[@georgegomez6470]

Awesome video, thank you so much because you explained everything needed to replace my alternator on my C70 T5 convertible.... Lots of work but you guys made is quite easy! Many many thanks!

[@OsamaBinModdin]

Just did the job on my V50 T5 AWD. Had the alternator out in 45 minutes without removing the throttle body. Just remove the dipstick bolt and turn it off to the side. Sneaks right out!

[@patriotridge]

Great video, the first I've seen that shows the drive belt to the alternator in clear view. Thank you!

[@fcpeuro]

Glad you liked it!

[@BABALOOEY46]

Thank you, this helped me out when I was in a jam for cash… I paid AU$700 for a new alternator but had a lot more trouble squeezing the alternator out and the new one in. There was also no way I could get a torque wrench into the bolts to tighten to 50 Nm but very tight was the theme 😊 Thank you!!! One criticism was that you had the camera on auto focus when manual would have been easier to watch. Thanks again.

[@lloydboer5919]

good enough video to get the job done very helpful

[@brooster87]

That was super. Great instructions. I can do mine now. Thank you so much.

[@fcpeuro]

Glad it helped!

[@LuisMartinez-fr9gq]

Thank you for sharing how to remove an alternator on these type of cars it takes a lot of work to remove it, i can tell you have the patience to do this type of work.

[@fcpeuro]

You are welcome!

[@ioanholbea2044]

Nice job.GOD BLESS YOU.

[@fcpeuro]

Thank you!

[@georgesedeno7891]

Excellent video

[@gennarospst1]

Great video thank you so detail a made so easier for me to change the alternator. Keep up the good work.

[@fcpeuro]

Happy this was of some help!

[@michaelstrongbow2336]

Wow, there's a lot of rust already under that car. They must put some serious chemicals on the winter roads there. 10 more years of that and there wont be any subframe left. Also, when you unplug the power connector to the throttle-body make sure you take your time and be careful. The plastic clips get brittle on the harness and if it does not seat in correctly the throttle-body will send the ECU bad signals. And with every vibration the computer will try to compensate and you will get jerky throttle. After 2 throttle-bodies, resetting the values on vida we figured it was the clip connector and zipped tied it to the unit. If you work on Volvos you know their plastic isn't the best, also if you warm up the car the plastics get soft, not brittle. Great video, thank you again FCP Euro for all that you do for me.

[@grunwald1967]

Thanks and very help me

[@hoiboy29]

Holy crap. Looks like Volvo hired a engineer from Citroen!

[@stephenmorrissey1254]

I'm really appreciative of Nate's work on what is a bit of an obscure vehicle in north America. Personally, I more enjoyed the videos where he is struggling on his garage floor like the rest of us slobs! Question: my C30 will kill its battery if I leave it sitting for 7-10 days, 3-4 in the winter. A larger battery didn't help and the brake booster isn't running with the car off. Thoughts?

[@fcpeuro]

Hi, Stephen. It sounds like you have some sort of electrical draw, we plan on doing a general video on electrical draws and may even use Nate's C30 as the subject vehicle.

[@fodolocraigo8426]

This happens to mine. I think it's a bad alternator, but I'm a car noob

[@stephenmorrissey1254]

@@fcpeuro Let me know when you do it! I only watch the Volvo C30 videos and so would miss the video if it was discussed on another vehicle.

[@richardparis8738]

Such engineering

[@Dux96]

Planning doing this repair and really appreciate FCP putting together this video. I understand why the alternator was replaced but I'm not clear why the tensioner was replaced? Is it just best practice replace the tensioner when you replace the alternator? Or did you already know the pulley was bad and there is something about the pulley going bad that's related to the tensioner?

[@80sGuy.]

When I replaced both belts on my 2009 2.4i I did not have to remove any a/c belt tensioner. They went in fine.

[@nickschloth9028]

Hey! Any tips for the tensioners? Ive had three strip out completely and another two that have just snapped. Its such a pain, i wish volvo had made them to be used with just ab anything else other than a torx bit.

[@antoniohdeleon182]

I love that mechanical information..., congratulations! My Question: My 06 Volvo C70 (alternator reading is 14.40 volts CEM reads high voltages), I see your new alternator reading is 13.81 volts... what do I do to adjust the regulator...?

[@fcpeuro]

Hi Antonio, a normal reading can be anywhere between 13.8-14.8 volts, so it sounds like yours is operating just fine.

[@UncleJuulian]

I can give some tips to P1 owners with diagnosing an alternator issue too. If you get a power system service urgent message with a battery light, and (possibly only happened to me) power steering became heavy, it is because the Voltage was at 12.7 when the car was on as well. If you turn on your AC the battery light comes on quicker as well, after a minute or so the battery light disappears. This happens since the ACM regulator failed, which is built into the Alternator, the p2 platforms have a separate ACM that can be replaced. If you have an aftermarket intake, this job gives you more space to get access to the throttle body as well with removing the alternator space. If your throttle body screws become rounded inside, use a plier to grab them and replace them. You can only get these screws from a Volvo dealer as there is no aftermarket throttle body screws. If you cannot reach those throttle body screws, unbolt the 5 bolts holding the Intake Manifold in place and you will have access to the entire throttle body assembly. Other than that thank you FCP Euro for the video as i have to do this job soon!

[@fcpeuro]

Uncle Julian , really appreciate the insight and help offered! We will be sure to spread that tidbit of info.

[@jellybean1976928]

Is that correct, that the regulator is not able to be replaced? 50 cars so far and the only alternator failures I've ever had have been solved with a new voltage reg.

[@UncleJuulian]

@@jellybean1976928 You can have the alternator rebuilt if that is the case, but as of what I know there is no separate ACM that is sold for P1s. The cheapest and easiest solution is to replace the alternator as it is without having to take apart the alternator. FCPeuro sells it for 260 depending on the VIN for the P1 platform.

[@jellybean1976928]

@@UncleJuulian Yep, that's bad news. The alternator replacement is several hours screwing around, and $260 USD plus ludicrous postage to Australia.... On every other old school car it's been a screwdriver and 10 minutes work to swap out a regulator, which even for a Bosch one is maybe $50 USD. Sure when the car is 10 years old it's still worth doing, but I can see when these have 200K miles and 20 years of age, something as simple as an alternator could be the end of the line.

[@richardparis8738]

Sounds like fun I hope I don't have to change my

[@tobyalan8874]

Great video. I jad my alternator replaced recently. The next day i was driving to work and a light came on with info about reduced engine performance. I checked the code it came up as partical filter blocked. I tried to do a regeneration. The code wint clear. Code changing the alternator have caused the fault to come up? Any ideas would be grateful.

[@darkstormy1545]

I had the alternator belt shred on an 08 s40, the crappy plastic housing that protects the timing belt didn't keep the alt belt from being sucked in and breaking the timing belt, wrecking the engine.

[@SensuAudica]

Disassemble half the engine to reach the alternator, interesting design... Is this the same procedure for the 1.8 Flexifuel? I am having flickering interior lights and stereo when heater is on. Suspecting the alternator can't keep up. Thanks for video. Edit: My mechanic hates me now and never wants to see the car again.

[@georgesedeno7891]

You need a real mechanic!

[@HERBYWALLACE3]

I'd like to see a lower intake manifold gasket video, on the same engine. please 🙏

[@fodolocraigo8426]

Thanks for this. I just bought a new (to me c30) it's a 2010. It has 130k miles, what are some other things I should check and repair? What are some good starting mods for these? Thanks

[@joshi5252]

fodolo craigo check your timing belt, if it looks worn change that and tensioner. Also if water pump hasn’t been replaced with first timing belt change consider changing that out as well. I changed out coolant hoses, oem spark plugs, thermostat housing and coolant sensor, on my v50, it’s a common issue on these cars to have coolant leaks and can be catastrophic if not fixed.

[@joshi5252]

Also look into do88 for aftermarket mods and Elevate mods. But get all your other parts from FCP euro, their lifetime warranty are amazing, oil is also covered under warranty!

[@jellybean1976928]

Out of interest, can the inner tensioner be replaced with the alternator in place? I did have both tensioners on one of my P1's replaced during a timing belt service, the dealer didn't say anything about the tensioner being extra work.

[@fcpeuro]

You should be able to replace the inner tensioner with the alternator in place.

[@ulewis55]

I have 2007 C70. The Air box is screwed in but I cannot get to it. I cannot just lift it out and over. Any suggestions?

[@Plentix]

Can I get this guy on a plane to work on my 2010 s40 r design please 🏎🍺

[@joseduranjr4963]

Please do a video changing out the alternator, battery and auxiliary battery from a 2017 VOLVO XC60 T6 with the supercharged and turbocharged engine

[@fcpeuro]

Once we get to that, we certainly will!

[@joseduranjr4963]

@@fcpeuro thank you. PS-can the Volvo use a 220 amp auxiliary battery versus the 180 it has now

[@guitartricky]

Around 4:00 we get a look at the ever illusive electronic power steering pump with integrated reservoir. I wonder why Volvo doesn't recommend any service interval for the fluid? Even though the pump is electronic the fluid still goes through a typical hydraulic steering rack.

[@fcpeuro]

You're absolutely right, It would certainly be a good idea to replace that fluid despite no given service interval!

[@gregorylichtenson757]

Hi Thank You...if I bring my 2008 Volvo C30 Turbo R ..preventive Maintenance...How many hour's labor is it at a dealer or good mechanic?. I have about 97 K on my C30..and just want to replace to be safe..Please Rsvp..I live in Bennington VT..do you know any good volvo mechanics up here

[@dennisthemenace49]

Timing belt time.

[@yunglivid]

Did he never bolt in the thing under the alternator tht spins the belt? Or do u not have to?

[@user-yt6tv7zk7m]

hi, my belt has snapped on my c30,ibe bought two , one is too big and the other too small, what is the size of the belt i need? :D

[@TheBeemerfan]

Excellent video. Do you sell those T shirts?

[@fcpeuro]

Thank you for watching Mario! We are currently working on a new merch line that will include t-shirts. Once we have those ready, we will make them live!

[@collinromero5476]

I did it with my cousin like 6 months ago and we took 8 hours 😂😂😂

[@fcpeuro]

Hey in the end atleast it got done Collin! I blame it on the drink and pizza brakes you likely took 😁

[@andreareolon5923]

You saved my fucking life.

[@LukeMechanic]

Is this the same for the D5 engine?

[@HS-vw6uz]

plz do volvo v50 2010 automatic transmissn oil change plz

[@HERBYWALLACE3]

Looks like volvo alternator or is it the Bosch, i noticed the Bosch is cheaper 🤔

[@gt-r_guy]

Damn, salt up north really takes its toll

[@fcpeuro]

You're tellin us! Salt is the bane of any cars life up here.

[@luciusmaxum3220]

The airbox has always been the hardest part of this job IMO.

[@fcpeuro]

Its such an odd design, but atleast you can manage to slip the Alternator out!

[@blakedennis4841]

@@fcpeuro Can the airbox not be easily pulled out?

[@Auceldi]

@@blakedennis4841 I used brake cleaner to lubricate the plastic taps on the airbox. That way it came out way more easier.

[@GymChess]

@@AuceldiHow can you lubricate something with brake cleaner? Lol

[@Auceldi]

@@GymChess Ha now that you ask.. it sounds a bit funny to say. 😄 Brake cleaner was only liquid that I had but it worked. Probably some real lubricate would have been better.

[@RayMainBagpiper]

Can the alternator come out through the bottom ?

[@fcpeuro]

It can, yes.

[@NorthernChev]

Answer me this. Why is this alternator on your website $649 for a REMANUFACTURED unit? Holy hell! Brand NEW is around $350-420. What's up with that?

[@dennisthemenace49]

Shhhhhh.

[@mickeymouse2385]

Always say, what year is the car

[@adamv242]

This looks like a goddamned nightmare... Wish I still had my old 850. Or even better, my 760 wagon.

[@tanglewood777]

jesus all that removal for an alternator i have a battery lite comes on after 2 minets of engine running and alter nator gets very hot and smells of burning is the alternator no gd mines 2010 c 30 2.litre desail engine

[@HERBYWALLACE3]

Had to remove to remove intake manifold gasket and bolts 😳🤔

[@Passportsandprofits]

Am I the only that can not get the harness for the alternator to disconnect????

[@herkko61]

Looks so easy! Next time I can help you. I can install this 35:40 if you can do the rest, ok?

[@NorthernChev]

Ugh... I cringe at any time I have to deal with moving the air box... Thankfully you don't need to take the engine mounts loose, tilt the engine and remove it.

[@blakedennis4841]

Why not just pull the airbox?

[@NorthernChev]

@@blakedennis4841 "Why not pull the airbox", for what? What are you referring to?

[@blakedennis4841]

@@NorthernChev To give even more access to removing the alternator. He pushes it aside but it looks like it's still a pain to wiggle out of there. So i'm curious why not just pull the air box out entirely so you have ample room.

[@NorthernChev]

@@blakedennis4841 Oh, because, as I mentioned above in my original post, to remove the airbox requires that you take the passenger side motor mount loose and then find a way to tilt the engine backwards toward the firewall. The airbox is wedged in between the intake and the underside of the front radiator support. You have to physically unbolt the engine and forcefully tilt it backwards in the engine bay to make enough room to get it out. Which is doable, but a horrible task to do by yourself. As well, the airbox houses a whole bunch of electronics and computers, requiring you to disturb and remove a bunch of harnesses. And every time you disconnect and reconnect harnesses from the computer you risk discharging static electricity, which could potentially harm the computers. As he shows here it's difficult to maneuver the alternator out with the airbox still in the car but whole hell of a lot less work than removing the airbox.

[@blakedennis4841]

@@NorthernChev well jesus. That's about the silliest automotive engineering blunder I've ever heard of. Why in the world would Volvo do that?

[@butchmoberly6413]

Focus the camera, put plenty of light on the object of your discussion, please.

[@Spectre94951]

So....working on a Volvo is just as annoying as working on a VW. If this is Euros in general, a pox be on the engineers.