Hello,

I'm a woman and I'm trying to learn about my great Volvo '95 940 Turbo.
Ive loved this car. Has been very reliable.

I won't be insulted if you talk to me like I'm a beginner -- I am.
I'm pretty handy -- I just don't know a lot about cars.

When I try to start the car, I hear it trying to turn over but it doesn't.

Getting a jump starts the car and then the car will start for one or two times.

I don't drive far once it's started though.

How do I know if this is fixed by something simple like replacing the battery?
I have not replaced the battery for years.

Do I test the battery's "juice"? Can I go to someplace like Autozone for that

Can you recommend a good brand of battery?

I live in California in warm weather and don't drive this car very often.

Thank you for helping -- I know this is probably a simple question.

 

autozone could do it but you could take it to literally any service station that offers mechanical work. ask them to test the charging system and battery including a load test.
then go from there.

 

It does sound like you need a new battery. Hard to recommend a brand--most are made by the same manufacturer, there are only a couple left in the US. You need a size 47 or 48 (bigger), not everybody carries it. Just get one with a good warranty, should be around a hundred bucks... And try to drive the car more, it needs it! Short trips or scant use is not good for any car.

 

when you replace the battery, be sure they do a charging test.

 

Thank you. This was helpful. I did research car batteries and found the Bosch 47 for the Volvo 940 at Pep Boys. $130 with promotion and free install.

Most car beginners like me don't realize batteries have a size, like 47 or 48, so thanks for mentioning that. Helps me learn.

Appreciate your help.

 

That's a good tip. Thanks.

 

Thank you for telling me about this. I watched a Youtube video on using the Multimeter to test the battery. Also researched Autozone and they will test the battery for free.

Every bit of information helps.