Battery Does Not Charge on 1988 240 DL Wagon

We have a 1988 240 DL Wagon. Battery replaced less than one year ago.

Lately, the battery has been slowly draining. Then dies completely.

Volvo dealer checked it. Can find nothing that is draining the battery.

What might be wrong?

What might I do to check it myself? Can I buy a gizmothat can sense a drain
in the battery
when the car is off?

Also, they suggested using a "battery minder" because I do not drive it
much. Is this worth it? Does it work under the hood or just on baterries
that are stored away from the car?

I do drive it 2 miles up to work then 2 miles back every day.
Would not this be enough to charge the thing? Never had this problem in the
last 5 years i have been driving these short distances.

Lots of questions and I appreciate your input.

 

I am 2.5 miles from work, I drive a 92 240, 94 850, and a 98 Subaru
Outback, None have ever suffered from a battery problem. Some cars only
get driven once a month, the battery always starts the car, and doesnt
really drain down. The worst I can say is my 240 sat for about 2
months, it started right up this morning, except it turned over a bit
slower than usual.

Jerry

 

Make sure the alternator is charging.

Next, see if something is staying "on" when the car is "off," like a
glove box or trunk light.

Lastly, have someone who knows how to work on automobile electrical
systems perform some simple tests to isolate the problem.

 

<SNIP>

Something is staying on like a light. Also possibility of a short. Now
the dealer SHOULD have found either a short or an undercharging
alternator but not all dealers hire really smart folk.

Go to an auto electrical shop. They should be able to trace it down
pretty quick. And don't overlook the possibility of the alternator or
regulator.

Chuck Fiedler
Nothing but Volvo since 1974

 

Hi Folks

The alternator is isolated by rubber bushings. Make sure that there is
a braided ground strap connecting the alternator to the block, that the
ends are clean and firmly connected, AND!!! that the wire is at a
minimum braided cable [OE style] or 8-10 gauge [aftermarket].

The voltage regulator on the Bosch alternator is replaceable as a unit
with brushes and is held in with two screws. Please disconnect battery
ground cable prior to this job. Pull it out, look for worn brushes,
poor solder joints, etc. Replacement is about 40-50 bucks.

Check belt tension and condition. The rubber isolator bushings wear and
deform causing belts to run loose and slip.

Check wiring in harness from distributor back to main harness and
starter...look for evidence of VWD...Volvo Wiring Disease.

Hope this helps

wharf rat