Q: 2004.5 Volvo S40 T5 alternator

asked by on December 26, 2017

My alternator fried, so when I pulled it, I noticed it has 2 pins in the connection and 3 pins in the chassis connection. I took it to Napa and he said it was a rebuilt alternator. We bought the car used, so it could have been replaced before. Both 2 pin and 3 pin alternators are available for that year model. What's the difference?

My car has 156654 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.

These vehicles are known to have issues with aftermarket alternators since they are computer controlled charge circuits and aftermarket alternators do not always work correctly and only dealer alternators will work correctly.

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

Car starts, then shakes and idles rough
The fuel injection fuel regulator is leaking fuel into the intake when you are running and causing excessive fuel to get into the engine and this is the reason you smell gas fumes from the tail pipe. The fuel regulator...
Window off track
Typically, when a window comes off its track, it is a good indication that a component within the system has failed. When it comes to your Saturn Ion, it may be a matter of removing the door panel and using...
ABS light on
the ABS light is most likely on due to one or more of the wheel speed sensors going bad. Some front and rear model sensors will need the complete hub replaced. The system will need to be tested to see...
Anti lock brake light
From the symptoms you're describing, it sounds like your right side sensor wire is either loose, or you're having problems with the sensor wire coming completely off. It would help me if I knew what year, make, and model this...
The car has no power, the ignition relay keeps making a clicking noise, and the car won't start
I suspect you have a dead (or very low) battery, a failed alternator, and an electrical circuitry problem as well. It may be hard to tell which came first if there is wiring damage already. The clicking you hear is...
Car cutting out when slowing down
This may be related to a dirty or failing idle air control valve. The idle air control valve reads the air intake as it is mixed with fuel prior to being injected into the engine at low speeds and at...
On a 2008 enclave there is a p0018 code. How do you know if it's a failed sensor or timing chain?
Hi there. Locate the crankshaft position sensor and check for power to it with the key on. If there is power, then with using a paper clip to back probe the wiring with the plug installed on the sensor, check...
The car starts but then in cut off .
Hi there: Diagnosing a hard to start issue remotely is very difficult. There could be multiple ignition system components such as crank or camshaft position sensors that are damaged, have faulty electrical harnesses or are not communicating with other ignition...
Power sliding door stuck open after van was jump started.
Hi there. In most cases, this issue is caused by the electrical motor being locked due to the battery swap. The only way to resolve this problem is to have a professional mechanic replace the motor. In the meantime, you...

Related articles

A Buyer’s Guide to the 2012 Volvo XC90
While While the trend seems to be the bigger the vehicle the better, the 2012 Volvo XC90 proves that you can combine seven-passenger seating with a smaller size – without overly sacrificing comfort. For those who want a smaller footprint...
How to Buy a Good Quality Alternator
The The alternator is one of those parts that, when it malfunctions, can leave you high and dry by the side of the road. This essential component of your vehicle’s systems turns mechanical energy into electrical energy, which in turn,...
Symptoms of a Bad or Failing Alternator Belt
A failing alternator belt can cause the Battery Light to turn on, dimming or flickering lights in the car, and engine stalls.