Hi everyone. I've only been driving my 2013 S60 to and from the grocery store (about 10 minutes away) once a week for the past few weeks during quarantining. After going out the other morning to run a rare errand I got a LOW BATTERY Warning after parking at my destination. The car started fine and then I took it for a 25 minute drive. This morning (2 days later) I had to run another errand and did not get the warning upon starting the car, but it popped up upon arrival at my destination about 20 minutes away. The car started fine and I drove home. If I wait 30 seconds or so after turning off the car, the display goes to black, a few seconds pass and then the LOW BATTERY warning pops up and the radio displays that it will shut off in 2 minutes. The battery was replaced in March of 2016 following an accident and the alternator in May of 2017. I'd appreciate any input. Today I took a long drive for about 90 minutes with nothing on the car, no radio, AC, lights and then stopped at the grocery store. I waited and I did not get the light. I then drove home which is less than 1/2 a mile and turned on the radio. When I pulled into my driveway and turned off the car, 30 seconds later the warning popped up. The car starts and runs fine.

My dealership isn't open until Tuesday, so I cannot contact them until then. Any advice would be great. Thanks!

 

You need tio replace the car battery. The battery will die eventually. Since you have been getting the warning for a while, you may have a few days or a week, or maybe more. In my experience that warning is a good predictor of battery failure. Also the age of your battery is in line with replacement. You do not need tio go to the dealer, any service center can replace it, even many Batteries Plus stores.

 

If you have a volt meter (multimeter) measure battery voltage with the engine off - 12.6V is typical of a car with an 80%+ charge. If you are 12.4 or less then your battery is "marginal" at best. Next start the car and measure voltage. It should be 14V+ - if its less, throw on all the accessories (headlights, rear defogger, AC blower on high) and see if it maintains more than 13.5V. If not you may also have an alternator issue that should be checked out.

Agree with P, some Autozones etc will even install for you right at their store (had this done on a very cold day in Burlington VT for my Daughters car). was visiting so I didn't have tools. Wound up giving the guy $20 as a tip

 

Unfortunately I don’t own a multimeter. I was thinking of having AAA come over and test the battery and charging system. The alternator and voltage regulator were replaced in 2017 under the original warranty. If I’m lucky, it’s just the battery.

 

This forum is replete with discussions of various problems following battery disconnect/replacement. Is there a procedure other than shut off - disconnect - replace - reconnect that should be followed?

 

https://blog.fcpeuro.com/how-to-choo...-volvo-battery