Volvo Repair: 940 alt not recieving 12v signal from ign., 1994 volvo 940, gauge cluster

Question
hi Bilbo. My names Tim, i have a 1994 Volvo 940 non-turbo whose alternator is not charging because it is not recieving 12v from the ignition when on. I also dont have and warning light turning on in the dash. here is the long story about the car.

about 1 month ago while driving gauges started to jump around then turn off then turn onn again(car drove fine, just gauges acted funny). then my a/c started working intermitently and now does not blow cold ever. and then just today when driving back to work all gauges turned off and radio turned off and started to run rough and surging at  a very low abnormal idle. parked and then tried to  start again but did not start. battery was at 11v. recharged-started still idled very rough and at low rpm, and upon testing alternator would only turn on when manualy jumped. i was told by a local volvo tech a the flexible film on the back of the gauge cluster had a diode that the 12v source for the alt runs through and this could have burned out. i am just trying to see if this is a common problem and if my best bet is pulling this part off a junkyard car. thank you

Answer
Hi Tim,
       If I were you I'd be certain that ALL major and minor connections are in good working order.
           Carefully,test all the fuses...check the brushes in alternator...easy access to brush pack...test voltage to alternator..(little red wire).. 14.5 volts is desired.Other problems may be the cause...I think you have electrical problem....maybe a real simple one...like the smaller wire that connects to the pos. side of the battery.
           Good luck,
                    Bilbo

   If you decide to put in new printed circuit...find your needs on the net...huge savings