Volvo 2003 charge warning light malfunction

[haroldsson]

We have recently had the charge light and temperature warning light coming on together, though the alarm does not sound. At first it
was intermittent, but now it happens all the time. The owner's manual says this indicates a charging fault, but the battery monitor
shows that the alternator is charging normally. The temperature and oil pressure warning lights both function normally, and all
connections between the instrument panel and the alternator seem to be OK.

Can someone please throw some light on this problem?

 

[Landale]

From my experience I had that and an intermittent rev counter.

I removed and re-seated the connectors on the back of the control panel and all has been well since.

 

[Billjratt]

Sounds like a short circuit in the panel wiring. Assume the oil light is working properly? If the ign light comes on (and you have a normal alternator with no relays etc.) either the field or B+ side is grounding. I would check it thoroughly and double verify your battery monotor results. It may be easier to trace the problem with the temp lamp. If it has exactly the same symptoms, it's likely to be the same wire. Check the diagram for common connections to both lampps and start there. good luck

 

[Billjratt]

After a thought - perhaps a short between the bulbs and they are coming on in series? Are they as bright as they should be? check the terminals aren't touching if the lamps are side-by-side. If they come on in series, it wouldn't kill the alternator as a proper short would. (per my first post)