Volvo Repair: 2001 Volvo V70 battery light, small time operator, 2001 volvo v70

Question
QUESTION: We recently had our V70 detailed and to our surprise found out that the detailer power washed the engine.  Well soon after the battery light came on.  Apparently they tried to recharge the battery, but the light stayed on.  At one point, all the warning lights came on in the car.  Now, they can't drive the thing a few hundred feet without the car dying.  Is this an alternator problem?  The detailer is trying to get out of fixing this problem for us, but it seems quite obvious that they did something when they power washed the engine - doesn't it?  Thanks for any input.

ANSWER: Washing the engine shouldn't damage an alternator or battery.A quick charging system test is all that is needed to determine the source of your problem. It maybe something as simple as water interfering with the alternator operation. Chances are the brushes in the voltage regulator were worn, the pressure wash loosened up the dirt making the connection and now there isn't one. The battery should be charged and then load tested, depending on the age of the battery, the lack of charging may have proven the kiss of death for the battery.If a battery is 3-4 years old it can go at anytime these days.Deal with the problem at hand and place the blame later.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Interesting.  The owner of the detail company actually finally owned up and is replacing the battery and the alternator.  Question - is the voltage regulator part of the alternator, or are they separate components?   Thanks for the help!

Answer
That's way over the top on the shop owners behalf!No small time operator there.I really don't think they are to blame.Most shops replace the whole alternator.You probably saved yourself about 5-6 hundred bucks easy. But with that car he'll make the money back off of you in soon enough time