Generator (Gen) (1999-2004): Design: Freewheel
WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 8 other vehicles, including the 2006 Volvo S80, 2005 Volvo S80, 2004 Volvo S80, 2003 Volvo S80, and 2002 Volvo S80. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
Certain generators are equipped with a freewheel between the rotor shaft and the pulley. The cover over the pulley nut in the center of the pulley indicates whether a freewheel is installed. Using the freewheel, the generator rotor shaft can only rotate freely in one direction. This means that any jerking in the belt transmission is minimized.