Low Battery warning

Mike Arnold · Mar 25th, 2019, 19:43

Has anyone had a Low Battery warning when there is not a problem? I got this for a day when I put in the "key" (before starting). It has gone away now.

Battery was 12.3V without the engine running and 14.5V with the engine running so not a low battery.

Software problem? Known corrosion problem with connectors (but where?).

Just thought that I would see if anyone else has seen the problem...

GMcL · Mar 25th, 2019, 20:03

I've seen it on and off for the last five years.
I replaced the original battery with a Bosch battery and the warning came back within weeks.
No software updates have ever fixed it. I just ignore it, it comes and goes however the engine never needs extended cranking nor are there dim warning lights at startup from cold.

Whyman · Mar 25th, 2019, 22:05

I also had this on mine and like GMcL replaced with a Bosch battery and never had the message again.

I have kept the old battery which charges up and has been use as a slave to start other cars.

I think this is the start of a problem. If you are keeping the car then you may have to buy a battery in the future so do it sooner rather than later.

alf27 · Mar 25th, 2019, 22:40

12.3 v on a rested battery is a very low reading, I would expect 12.5 + volts on a healthy battery.

edmoss · Mar 26th, 2019, 13:18

I had it for about 4 years on my V60, local Volvo indy tested the battery and it was good. I got used to ignoring it. It came on regardless if I had done loads of motorway driving or been around town a lot.

AndyJudge · Mar 26th, 2019, 21:37

I had that on the previous XC60 & when the dealer ran the battery test on VIDA it was shown to be starting to fail.

Car was still starting & running fine just when trying to use the infotainment system with the engine off it would appear after a few minutes.

SwissXC90 · Mar 27th, 2019, 04:40

Quote:

Originally Posted by alf27

12.3 v on a rested battery is a very low reading, I would expect 12.5 + volts on a healthy battery.

My battery was showing 12.82V resting voltage 30 hrs after coming off the charger, and while fitted to the car. Original Volvo battery, 1 year old. No problems with battery low messages.

piotrek · Mar 27th, 2019, 19:11

I can always see battery state of charge on my phone, as well as charging current, alternator current, DPF soot, EGR valve, etc. when driving.
Car Scanner ELM OBD2 app displays over 80 sensors, works best with 5-cylinder diesels and with VEA engines (except SPA platform), just choose profile Volvo 2010+ or 2014+, accordingly.

Mike Arnold · Mar 28th, 2019, 20:15

Thanks for the helpful posts. I guess the ECU is a bit "sensitive" as I have no problems with cranking even in the cold. Might try changing the battery as I am planning to keep the car for another couple of years.

cardiomike · Mar 30th, 2019, 17:34

i'd expect a good 12v battery to show over 13.7 but preferably 14v with engine off. if charging and running engine you'd be just measuring the voltage your alternator is trying to put into the battery.

Mar 25th, 2019, 19:43	#1
Mike Arnold Master Member Last Online: Apr 15th, 2024 11:47 Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Stockport, Gtr Manchester View Photos By: Mike Arnold	Low Battery warning Has anyone had a Low Battery warning when there is not a problem? I got this for a day when I put in the "key" (before starting). It has gone away now. Battery was 12.3V without the engine running and 14.5V with the engine running so not a low battery. Software problem? Known corrosion problem with connectors (but where?). Just thought that I would see if anyone else has seen the problem... __________________ Mike Arnold. 1966 122S

Mar 25th, 2019, 20:03	#2
GMcL 0's and 1's Last Online: Yesterday 16:20 Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: -	I've seen it on and off for the last five years. I replaced the original battery with a Bosch battery and the warning came back within weeks. No software updates have ever fixed it. I just ignore it, it comes and goes however the engine never needs extended cranking nor are there dim warning lights at startup from cold. __________________ 2011 Volvo S60 D3 R-design Premium - 2020 Focus ST estate automatic - 2020 KIA eSoul 150kW 64kwh EV Previous: 2005 Volvo S60 D5 Sport - 2017 Focus RS

Mar 25th, 2019, 22:05	#3
Whyman Premier Member Last Online: Yesterday 18:47 Join Date: Nov 2013 Location: Newark	I also had this on mine and like GMcL replaced with a Bosch battery and never had the message again. I have kept the old battery which charges up and has been use as a slave to start other cars. I think this is the start of a problem. If you are keeping the car then you may have to buy a battery in the future so do it sooner rather than later. __________________ XC60 2013 D5 215 SE Lux Nav geartronic

Mar 25th, 2019, 22:40	#4
alf27 Alf27 Last Online: Today 09:58 Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Middlewich	12.3 v on a rested battery is a very low reading, I would expect 12.5 + volts on a healthy battery. __________________ XC60 2008 Auto Grey

Mar 26th, 2019, 21:37	#6
AndyJudge Premier Member Last Online: Feb 18th, 2024 17:40 Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Hebburn	I had that on the previous XC60 & when the dealer ran the battery test on VIDA it was shown to be starting to fail. Car was still starting & running fine just when trying to use the infotainment system with the engine off it would appear after a few minutes. __________________ Current 2015 XC60 D5 AWD - Caspian Blue Previous 2012 XC60 D5 AWD - Seashell Metallic Previous 2005 S60 D5 Geartronic - Gunmetal Previous 2001 C70 T5 GT Auto Convertible - Saffron Previous 1999 S40 XS - Silver

Mar 26th, 2019, 13:18	#5
edmoss Junior Member Last Online: Oct 15th, 2021 15:08 Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Birmingham	I had it for about 4 years on my V60, local Volvo indy tested the battery and it was good. I got used to ignoring it. It came on regardless if I had done loads of motorway driving or been around town a lot.

Mar 27th, 2019, 19:11	#8
piotrek Member Last Online: Yesterday 11:55 Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: London	Battery state of charge I can always see battery state of charge on my phone, as well as charging current, alternator current, DPF soot, EGR valve, etc. when driving. Car Scanner ELM OBD2 app displays over 80 sensors, works best with 5-cylinder diesels and with VEA engines (except SPA platform), just choose profile Volvo 2010+ or 2014+, accordingly.

Mar 28th, 2019, 20:15	#9
Mike Arnold Master Member Last Online: Apr 15th, 2024 11:47 Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Stockport, Gtr Manchester View Photos By: Mike Arnold	Thanks for the helpful posts. I guess the ECU is a bit "sensitive" as I have no problems with cranking even in the cold. Might try changing the battery as I am planning to keep the car for another couple of years. __________________ Mike Arnold. 1966 122S

Mar 30th, 2019, 17:34	#10
cardiomike Junior Member Last Online: Mar 30th, 2019 17:37 Join Date: Sep 2016 Location: stornoway	i'd expect a good 12v battery to show over 13.7 but preferably 14v with engine off. if charging and running engine you'd be just measuring the voltage your alternator is trying to put into the battery.

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