XC70 car battery replacement - calibration requirement?

[westie1981]

Hi,

I am getting a message every so often on my XC70 2012 advising me the battery has a low power condition. Is it as simple as replacing the battery with something like an Exide / Bosch battery or do I need vida to do this to calibrate the battery sensor?

Thanks

Paul

[Tatsfield]

My reply isn't going to help you. I have a nearly new battery and the car frequently gives me a Low Battery warning. I've given to ignoring it and it goes away, but it regularly comes back.

[SwissXC90]

Originally Posted by westie1981

I am getting a message every so often on my XC70 2012 advising me the battery has a low power condition. Is it as simple as replacing the battery with something like an Exide / Bosch battery or do I need vida to do this to calibrate the battery sensor?

You cannot calibarate the low voltage alarm

the low voltage alarm appearing regularly means the battery is getting old

Replace the battery with the correct size (check your Owner's Manual) and then reset the Low Voltage counter (using VIDA)

[westie1981]

Hi SwissXC90, does the low voltage counter need resetting? I don't have access to vida and begrudge paying someone for something I can do myself.

[andy_d]

er if you dont have vida/dice or access to it, you cant reset the counter yourself,,,

[Tannaton]

Firstly check your local Volvo dealer for a price, they are not expensive, just about the best battery you can get and will be guaranteed the correct size.

It’s not essential to reset the low voltage counter, it’s just useful info for mechanics when servicing your car, if the counter is high they will do extra checks on the charging circuit / battery.

[JonnyA]

Not convinced about the reliability of the voltage sensing systems - it has flagged a couple of times on mine - usually after being left with things turned on (radio) but not running. so probably fair enough.
On my wifes car (V40cc) the car gave no warnings or record of issues but often refused to start, stop/start disabled and a bunch of other odd stuff - dealer said nothing wrong. in the end i changed the battery - all sorted.

Dealers price for the battery was OK (not the cheapest) but they only offer a short warranty (2yr) - any other decent battery will be at least 4 or 5 years.
i went for a Varta - when compared to the original one i took out the only perceivable difference was the stick on labels - wonder who makes the Volvo ones???

[FIBAMAN]

Originally Posted by JonnyA

Not convinced about the reliability of the voltage sensing systems - it has flagged a couple of times on mine - usually after being left with things turned on (radio) but not running. so probably fair enough.
On my wifes car (V40cc) the car gave no warnings or record of issues but often refused to start, stop/start disabled and a bunch of other odd stuff - dealer said nothing wrong. in the end i changed the battery - all sorted.

Dealers price for the battery was OK (not the cheapest) but they only offer a short warranty (2yr) - any other decent battery will be at least 4 or 5 years.
i went for a Varta - when compared to the original one i took out the only perceivable difference was the stick on labels - wonder who makes the Volvo ones???

just had mine replaced (yesterday)by dealer, £145 all in, including initial checking of old battery and system, supply and fit + systems reset.

[volvoski]

My wife’s 2010 xc70 battery died this morning. The RAC replaced it for £156 . They checked the alternator output and swapped the battery over. No calibration or drama required. Car is just fine.no messages or lights.

[FIBAMAN]

Originally Posted by JonnyA

Not convinced about the reliability of the voltage sensing systems - it has flagged a couple of times on mine - usually after being left with things turned on (radio) but not running. so probably fair enough.
On my wifes car (V40cc) the car gave no warnings or record of issues but often refused to start, stop/start disabled and a bunch of other odd stuff - dealer said nothing wrong. in the end i changed the battery - all sorted.

Dealers price for the battery was OK (not the cheapest) but they only offer a short warranty (2yr) - any other decent battery will be at least 4 or 5 years.
i went for a Varta - when compared to the original one i took out the only perceivable difference was the stick on labels - wonder who makes the Volvo ones???

My old one said made in Germany, so maybe Varta