Volvo Repair: volvo alternato, charging system, alternator

Question
how u doin?
i got a 96 volvo but the car seems not to start unless it is jump start and after that,  the car is turned off it repeats the same thing
but i think it is the alternator so do i have to take it a mechanic or can i buy the alternator and replace it.

Answer
   Amara, you did not say what model or year this Volvo was so I cannot be of much help. If it's a 2,7 or 9 series, the alternator swap is a piece of cake. Easily done. If it's an 8, S or V series, much more difficult.
   Without testing the charging system you are really just guessing as to what is wrong. If you are wrong, you've wasted a bunch of money. Electrical parts are non returnable. You could just have a bad battery. Generally, if the vehicle stays running once you start it, the alternator is ok. But if it dies while driving, odds are the alternator is bad. I would still want to test everything first. Do you have access to and know how to use a DVOM? (Digital Volt Ohm Meter) Used to be called a multimeter in the old days. I can maybe walk you through it then.

Mark