XC60 'Battery Low'

[AndyJudge]

Well replaced the fob batteries but got the message again the other evening so I guess the battery is feeling it's age.

Will have to get it tested & see where I can get a decent deal (last 3 volvo batteries the dealer was best).

[volturb40]

My XC60 has done this for a couple of years now, i just ignore it as it always starts like there's a new battery in it.

[AndyJudge]

Originally Posted by volturb40

My XC60 has done this for a couple of years now, i just ignore it as it always starts like there's a new battery in it.

That's good to know, I'll get it checked for peace of mind

[JDmac]

Hi all, funny all these low battery warnings on good batteries. My 2010 V70 also joined in on Thursday - never seen the warning before,at least, not since it had a new battery in September. Volvo battery fitted by an independent at a cost of £155.22 inc vat - good reason for getting it fitted - couldn't be arsed. I think it's all these satellites, beam me up Scotty, cheers,JDmac.

[Whiterdesign]

As i mentioned earlier in this thread i have had a low battery warning basically since i bought the car from new, mentioned it at servicing but still there after about 2 minutes of leaving radio on.
Well yesterday i had the new sensus map software installed so thought as my screen was showing 2hrs 48 minutes to download new maps, i would connect a battery charger to the car and leave the sensus unit switched on so it could update when parked. after about 5 mins on charger battery was showing nearly full charged so left it on, switched on sensus unit and the map download started.2 mins later got the low battery warning again about 2 mins after that i got a warning that the car had gone into low power mode and the sensus unit powered down. Couldn't understand it as charger was still saying that battery was charged and it was supplying about 3 amps. Tried a few times and same thing happened. One thing i noticed is that when in low power mode electric tailgate doesn't work so it obviously shuts down quite a few things
Charger is not a cheap one but a semi industrial unit which says that my battery is in good condition. Anyone any ideas.

[Fat Magpie]

They all eventually die, maybe 5-6 years is a typical life. You can probably live with the occasional warning but come the day you really need the car to start and its very cold weather or a long stint parked up somewhere like an airport. Suddenly the cost seems insignificant.

[spriteobey]

I had that message today in my MY17 XC90. All seems fine. Silly volvo.

[Zigster]

Funnily enough, my wife has mentioned this warning message a couple of times over the last month or so, and I got it this morning. MY12 XC60 D3 Geartronic.

So is there any consensus over whether the battery needs replacing, it's a false alarm or it's the key fob battery?

I say "funnily enough" because my car is due for a service next month and I came on here to find out info on the satnav software update and the poor FM reception issue when it's damp (problem with the aerial in the rear window?).

Seems like I got three out of three!

[Fat Magpie]

I did not know the car warned of a keyfob battery problem.

I got a main battery alarm a few times, especially if the car had been sitting for a while.

[piotrek]

Originally Posted by Whiterdesign

i would connect a battery charger to the car and leave the sensus unit switched on so it could update when parked (...) 2 mins later got the low battery warning again about 2 mins after that i got a warning that the car had gone into low power mode and the sensus unit powered down. Couldn't understand it as charger was still saying that battery was charged and it was supplying about 3 amps. (...) Anyone any ideas.

With ignition on, car electronics draws 11-18 amps from battery. Just sitting in the car and listening to music consumes 5-7 amps. After start the alternator should get enought time to charge battery back to 80-82% SoC. If you get "low battery warning" in the morning, check the standby parasitic drain (quiescent current) - should not exceed 20mA.
(smartphone screens, Car Scanner ElmObd2 Android).