This has happened 3 times now. Driving along without any problems then the dash lights come on and the car slows and stops dead. The battery will not start. First time the screw was loose on the terminal connection. The second time the screw seemed loose, but the third time the connection was tight. I had the car towed home and the wrecker driver took out his battery jump box and said the battery had a lot of charge left to it and he was able to jump start the car with no problem (after he locked the car doors and unlocked the car doors-he said he had to disable the anti-theft device). He said he believed the CCA might be too small (590 CCA which was the size the car had always used) and I should replace the battery (which is only 4 months old). The battery is an EverStart brand from WalMart. He also said that the battery cables and terminal connections were all good and all fuses were good. I am at a loss. Could it be that the 590 CCA is too small? Does anyone agree or disagree with this? The car also has a new altenator. I love my old car and want to keep in on the road as long as possible. She just hit 300,000 this week! Thanks for any advice - Volvo 240 Station Wagon (1992) 4 cyl

 

590 is plenty adequate for a 4 cylinder. I've heard that if the wire or circuit on the back of the instrument cluster from the signal wire on the alternator comes loose or breaks the car will not run and/or die while running. Check that out.

 

thanks, I will take a look at the connections on the alternator.