I need help!!! I started ng some problems such as alarm going off by itself, sometimes it would not start and then I would try again and it would start. My stop motor feature was not working and I took to the shop and they told me the battery was low. The could not recharge because they told me when they tried it would not charge over 75%, so they replaced it. This is the second time I am replacing the battery since I bought it new in 2015. He told me the Satellite kept searching for signal even when I had the car off and that was draining the battery, so he told me they needed to upgrade the software. So a few hundred dollars later, or should I say one day later, my stop motor feature was inactive again and when I checked the reason they say it is because the battery is low. How can be the battery low if I just changed 2 days ago? So now I got another appointment for next week but it does not look like they know what is going on. Any suggestions? Thank you

 

Sounds like you have a parasitic drain problem. They will be able to sort it out but its a tedious process. First they will measure the overall current draw with the car off. If out of spec, they will start isolating circuits by pulling fuses and relays to see what makes the current draw go back into spec. Then they need to look at all the devices on that circuit path. Some times its not obivous to non-factory trained techs as they'd need to know how the wiring harnesses run. Are you working with a dealer or a local independent? The satellite radio issue is a known problem which required the software update so its good you got that taken care of. Next thing they should test is whether the alternator is properly charging the car. This is a fairly straight forward test. They will look at battery voltage, then start the car and see where the voltage to. Next they will turn on as much of the accessories as they can and see if the voltage stays above a threshold.

Now since your car has the stop/start engine feature, you may actually have two batteries in your car - the primary and an auxilliary battery. It may be the second battery that is now compromised. Ask your tech if your model has two batteries and whether both test out ok.

 

Thank you for the reply. I will see with them. I am working with a Volvo dealer. I made an appointment to take my car next week. You are right. My car has 2 batteries, but I had just replaced the second one not too long ago, maybe 4 months. I will mention what you said to the mechanic. Thanks again

 

Just called Crest Volvo/the dealer about looking into the satellite radio possibly draining the battery of my 2017 S60 (and I mentioned to him about seeing a classic action against them about this) to see if that's the cause that drained it for me to replace it twice within the 3 yr warranty. BTW, Costco said AGM battery, instead of a regular battery put by Walmart in my car, is recommended for S60 especially if it's got a premium stereo system on it (which I have no idea if mine has one, it's stock stereo).

Anyway, the dealer said they'll still have to charge me for the software update unless/until it becomes a recall due to the class action later and they will reimburse me. But he said, 9 out of 10 for the battery drain is either car is unlocked (parked in garage, for example and the car is in stand-by mode and constantly looking for the key signal, it's not that much current but it'll drain it eventually if car's not driven a lot--he told me to lock it to really put it to sleep) or it doesn't get driven a lot (like in this pandemic situation). I don't know I can take his word for it but I went ahead and locked all the cars in the garage...

Any thought?


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2019 XC60 T5 Momentum AWD
2017 S60 Dynamic 2WD
2016 V60

 

Assuming the dealer didn't find anything else as a possible drain, the satellite radio battery drain problem has been a known issue for years and yes, the dealer will typically charge you for a software update (figure 1 hour labor ~ $125-150). Another option is to see if "service 2.0" is available and applicable to your model:

https://www.volvocars.com/za/own/ser...rvices-2,-d-,0

Personally, I'd just do the software update and keep the receipt if the class action suit ever settles. Annoying yes, but better than a flat battery when you need the car or a premature replacement.

WIth that said, the dealer can test to see if your car is within the normal range for battery draw specific to your model. If you can't do that in the short term as you are in a stay at home state, you may want to invest in a trickle charger or simply do a drive around the block every few days - 10 to 15 minutes is all you really need. Good for you car, good for your sanity :-)

 

Appreciate it . I'll look into this service 2.0 thing. I dunno if it's a new service since this crisis started but for the recalls and checking the battery, instead of dropping off at the dealership they're gonna pick up my S60 tomorrow and V60 the next day free of the tow charge and return them when they are done.

Yes, I've got the Ctek MXS 5.0 from ebay since it'll take Amazon forever to ship a lower priority item like this and Schumacher SC1282 for more robust charging needs...

 

I do not use satellite radio (no subscription) - does the radio system keep searching for signal even if the car is off and locked?

 

I don't think the subscription turns off the receiver - the service sends a broadcast with a code on one of the channels which your radio matches to decrypt the signal to enable your service. Even if you don't have a subsription, you will still get some Sirius XM ad channels - plus it has to be on to listen for the code just in case you turn on a subscriptions.

 

Thanks. I want to get rid of it. I've seen descriptions of using (in Volvo's euphemistic term) a "brace" which appears to short the input cable. Any downside - looks like a more reasonable solution than paying $200 for an "upgrade" really a problem fix.

I'm not a big fan of late night TV advertising ambulance chasers or class action sharks but, in this case, Volvo is dead wrong. It's a mistake on their part and should be fixed FREE!