S70 electriical

[hnelson]

Am thinking of purchasing a 1999 S70GLT. Very clean 57K miles. Battery was
"flat" when I first looked at the car, seller was mystified.

When researching this model I saw one reference to an electrical gremlin in
which battery drains when some S70's sit for several days.

I know they have the usual Volvo electrical/ABS/computer problems but is
there a specfic difficult to solve problem with some S70's draining the
battery when not driven for several days?

Howard

 

[Spanky]

Am thinking of purchasing a 1999 S70GLT. Very clean 57K miles. Battery was
"flat" when I first looked at the car, seller was mystified.

Most probably from others looking at the car or the owner cleaning it.
Courtesy lights come on, buyers want to hear the radio, sit there talking,
idles a lot, short drive, etc. Owner probably has new car, doesn't drive
daily. 1999 probably has original battery, now it needs a new one. Nothing
to worry about.

 

[Guest]

Am thinking of purchasing a 1999 S70GLT. Very clean 57K miles. Battery was
"flat" when I first looked at the car, seller was mystified.

When researching this model I saw one reference to an electrical gremlin in
which battery drains when some S70's sit for several days.

I know they have the usual Volvo electrical/ABS/computer problems but is
there a specfic difficult to solve problem with some S70's draining the
battery when not driven for several days?

Its true that there is an alarm / immobilizer problem with these cars which
can flatten the battery after 3-4 days. Its also very hard to sort according
to my dealer!

Or could have been a light stuck on...

Tim..

 

[Niels Bengaard]

Its true that there is an alarm / immobilizer problem with these cars
which

can flatten the battery after 3-4 days. Its also very hard to sort according
to my dealer!

Or could have been a light stuck on...

Thats a bad excuse from the dealer.
The original alarm draws very little current, i have had my car parked for
two weeks with no problems.

Niels

 

[Bonnet Lock]

In an earlier contribution to this discussion,

Thats a bad excuse from the dealer.
The original alarm draws very little current, i have had my car
parked for two weeks with no problems.

Niels

Similarly my 1999 V70 (old shape - same chassis as S70) was parked for SIX
weeks with no problem.

 

[Jeff Bos]

I agree, the battery is likely just worn out. The original batteries aren't
known to last well.

However, don't blame the alarm. My 1999 S70 was stored for 8 months last
year -- no problem with original battery. The alarm was enabled the entire
time.

Jeff

 

[Patrik]

Am thinking of purchasing a 1999 S70GLT. Very clean 57K miles. Battery was
"flat" when I first looked at the car, seller was mystified.

When researching this model I saw one reference to an electrical gremlin in
which battery drains when some S70's sit for several days.

I know they have the usual Volvo electrical/ABS/computer problems but is
there a specfic difficult to solve problem with some S70's draining the
battery when not driven for several days?

Howard

Hi Howard

The S70 is not draining battery more than any modern car.

A common problem however with dealer cars is that the battery often
gets damaged. This is because they stand at the dealer, people take it
for a short test drive, or just start them up. Eventually the battery
gets drained. Then the dealer gives the battery a quick charge.
Batteries are sensitive and does not like to stand unused, get totally
drained or the quick chargers dealers use. So they often take damage
from this. A damaged battery will have less "oumph" to start a cold
engine, and does not get fully charged when you drive. Chances are you
never notice your battery is bad until that very cold day when you
need it the most...
I would reccomend that you always check the battery when you buy a
dealer car (or get a fresh one in the bargain). Make sure they change
the oil too...
/Patrik