The same day I had my passenger side door lock replaced by a Volvo Dealer, my car battery died. (No prior battery problems) Jumped it and drove back to the dealer. Next day, got home with a new battery and within an hour it died again. This time it would not hold a charge. Had to have it towed back to the dealer. Alternator tested good. Mechanic assumed there was a drain somewhere. After 8 days and the car in pieces, the mechanic has located the drain on the battery: the Driver's Side door lock. I am told the doors share a circuit but that an improper installation or malfuction on one side wouldn't effect the other. The original problem with the passenger lock was simply that it would not lock and the new lock fixed the locking problem. Question 1: Is it just a huge coincidence that the Driver's side lock turned into a parasitic monster just hours after the passenger side lock was replaced? Question 2: Is the convertible motor connected to the same circuit as the door locks? I'm curious because it was all apart too, and from reading this forum, I thought by testing the fuses with a multimeter, battery drains could be somewhat isolated. I've tried to find schematics & manuals for my 2002 C70 but no luck. Any thoughts or advise? Thanks so much!

 

I think it was just coincidence.

I don't think the top motor is in the same circuit.

Yes usually you can remove fuses while having a Multi-meter connected and set on Amps.
If you want to search through a wiring diagram to find out for sure click the link.
http://www.volvotechinfo.com/WD123/

 

Thanks for the response and link. The shop replaced the 2nd door lock on Thursday and said testing showed no battery drain, but they still wanted to keep the car over the weekend to make sure it started this am. I'm waiting for a call now. It's a new dealership in my area and the mechanic told me he'd never seen this problem before, which worried me somewhat. They do seem honest and are trying to do their best.
By the way, this is a great forum and I've gotten much helpful info from all the other posts.

 

Keep us posted.

 

Yesterday, the shop said they wanted to replace frayed wires in the sun visor. Today, they ordered a new alternator. Car starts well and runs nice but Generator/Battery Warning Light stays on. (This is apparently a new problem). The service advisor says they are not charging me for this additional work. I hope I heard him right. Another mechanic suggested looking at the B+ cable & main Batery Cable as well. Does all this seem ok? Any other thoughts on the battery light? Thanks!

 

Battery light seems about right for the Alt.

The sunvisior is a common thing. The plastic breaks then the wires fray.

That could cause a drain as well.