Volvo 1998 C 70
when start the car in morning all the dash lights are dim and until i put my foot on the gas then it brightens up like it should be and the interior light knob is all the up to the max also if the radio is up loud all light on the dash dim from the bass like a juke box or something like it pulling to much power is this from the battery or is a alternator problem or is something else.

Yes, it could be an alternator problem. If you have access to a voltmeter you can do some crude checking by just looking at the voltage on the battery terminals with the car at idle, and then with someone revving the engine slightly. The voltage with the car running (with most cars, anyway) should be somewhat over 13.5 volts, and shouldn't vary too much with engine rpm. It will be a little lower at idle, but not that much. You also might try turning on and off various accessories, including the stereo, with the car at idle, at revved a bit. (Note that the battery voltage with the car off will be more like 12.8 volts or thereabouts.) If the voltage at idle is less than 13 volts, then it is probably an alternator issue.

If you have recently installed something like an aftermarket amp, or some other non-original accessory, then it may also be a case of too much total current draw for the stock alternator at idle.

Good call from rschleicher. +1 from me.

I have the same issue in my 01 c70. I have to get a look at it, and I think my warranty should cover it

Sometimes when you check the voltage it can be high (14.5 V +) and this also shows that a alternator is not operating correctly. Ie sometimes when the interior lamps pulse its because they are getting to much power (going over bright) and not actually going duller than usual. Just thought a would throw that in the works.

Anyhow most likley alternator at fault, common symptom.