Hey there!

I just bought my 1991 Volvo 240 about a month ago and have put a lot of repairs into it. There is a local mechanic that only works on Volvo and Saab who is really good and fair. I've recently replaced a left ball joint, the thermostat, and the ignition switch (about 4 days ago).

This morning it is about 5 degrees in Minnesota and the first day I've owned the car in this type of weather. A few dash lights come on but it makes this sound that I've never heard before. It's like 1/2 of a crank out of the 3-4 it usually does before it starts and then it stops. I don't want to hold the key in the start position for too long because it sounds like I'm hurting it! The ignition feels really tight/hard which is a first and maybe from the cold.

Here is a video I took of it trying to start this morning: 1991 Volvo 240 Low Battery? Cold car won't start - YouTube

Could it be the battery? I'm not sure when it was last replaced...any thoughts would be very much appreciated!

 

It sounds like the battery is weak. Turn the car on and turn the lights on in the car for about 30 seconds. This will warm up the battery a little. Then turn the lights off and try to start it. Don't be afraid to hold the key for 5 full seconds. If it doesn't crank more than 3 times you likely have a weak battery.

A lot of people do not realize that it takes a lot of driving to charge a car battery. Short trips usually will drain a battery, especially in cold weather.

If you get the car running, go to a autoplace like O'Railey's or somewhere to have them test the battery. Make sure they test it twice. If it reads bad twice it likely has bad cells in it. If it doesn't read BAD it cam probably be charged up and work fine for a while.

Batteries usually last about 4 years before needing replacement.

 

Also, if you decide to have someone jump you, make sure they use the proper method or they can damage the electrical system in your car. Here is a picture: The good battery car has #1 & #3 on it.

 

Thanks for the advice, you were right! However, it turned out that one of the connection wires fell off the battery, haha...so only one wire was connected to it. If I had popped the hood and looked at the battery I would have noticed, but I didn't as all that mumble jumble is usually greek to me. My mechanic came over and reattached the wire to the terminal. I felt pretty dumb.

 

Good to hear that you are rolling. Volvos rarely leave their owners broke down, that's until the made the fuel relays in the 850's.

 

Failed attachment, I don't want to fry my car either. Is it something special or just a reminder to do the standard hookup?