Hi, I need to replace the battery in my 2006 XC90. I have read several different ways to replace the battery. Some have a procedure to follow and some just say take the old one out and new one it. What is the proper procedure to replace the battery?

 

I may get flamed for this but - In my Volvo shop (1980-2018 selling hundreds of batteries a year) If a car needed a battery we would turn the car off - disconnect and remove the old battery (removing negative terminal first), install and connect the new battery (installing positive terminal first) , start the car up and give it back to the customer. Older cars with radio codes we would get them, write them on the top of the radios, and enter the codes to make the radios work. Newer cars with auto up windows we would reprogram the windows either with VIDA for some cars or just the switch with others to restore that function before giving the cars back.

The terminal installation and removal sequence is just for safety - bad things happen if you touch a tool on the positive terminal to ground while the negative is still connected -

 

Thanks for the info. What about using a jumper battery pack or charger, clamp it on to the terminal wires before removing the battery? Should keep everything, codes etc. the same, no?

 

There's no reason to do that, just program the front windows after - important stored codes will still be there, a battery disconnect won't erase them - if it did everyone would do that to get their check engine light off.

 

agree with hoonk. most of the advise on using a backup battery is for the newest cars with learning cycles and other program settings for things like window sensors, but if you are unsure of a radio code etc, it can't hurt to use a backup. What is important is to do a good job of inspecting your cables/terminals, clean up as best you can, ensure they are fully tightened and make sure you double check that the new battery is the correct "group size" to ensure the posts are in the right place. I always disconnect negative then positive, reconnect positive then negative double checking the polarity before doing the negative. I also like to use a spray on sealer to manage corrosion.

 

Great advice, thanks guys