Low Battery Message

[Dibble]

Originally Posted by Zebster

It takes me about 10 seconds to remove the cover over my main battery positive terminal... were you removing further panels to also access the negative terminal, rather than clip the negative battery lead onto the engine/bodywork?


So long as the correct (smart) charger is used then surely this must be at least as good for the battery as being charged by the vehicle alternator? Especially on a modern car where the alternator output is further managed to only provide output during periods of deacceleration in the interests of fuel economy (which may not be the kindest charging method for the battery) and - at least on our Volvo cars - limits the normal charge level to only 80 - 85% (which again is not necessarily in the best interests of the battery).

Yes I probably was. Certainly took me longer than 10 seconds. I was always concerned I was going to break the battery cover clips. Anyway, using my CTEK on the towbar removes all concerns.

[johnhorsley5]

I’ve just bought an early 2016 XC60 D4
It’s showing the same symptoms - stop start not always working and low charge alarm. Should I press the dealer LP for a new battery?

[Clan]

Originally Posted by johnhorsley5

I’ve just bought an early 2016 XC60 D4
It’s showing the same symptoms - stop start not always working and low charge alarm. Should I press the dealer LP for a new battery?

No you are better doing what they would do first , charge the battery for 48 hours with a charger that does not turn off on it's own . usually this will fix it and de sulphate it . after that in these times when the car is not used much the battery must be charged every 2 weeks , all this is official volvo advice ....

[NickMV70]

Totally agree with the topping up advice. My v60 had stood for a long time when I took ownership and needed jump starting. I initially charged the battery for 24hrs but the charging wRning light would flash after about two days. It wasn’t until I took clans advice and charged the battery for about 60hrs. I then did the reset thing and all has been fine since with auto start stop etc. Volvo quoted me 180 as they tested the battery and said it needed replacing (before I charged it).

[moosehead74]

Originally Posted by Dibble

Yes I probably was. Certainly took me longer than 10 seconds. I was always concerned I was going to break the battery cover clips. Anyway, using my CTEK on the towbar removes all concerns.

I'd highly recommend the 13 pin socket method if you have a tow bar. It's great this time of year in wind and rain. When used in combination with the CTEK extension lead I can just back the car up to the garage, plug in and leave it.

[Miyo360]

Hi, My XC60 '64 plate with 120,000 miles also has occasional low battery messages. The stop/start has not worked for a few months.

I had a service last month and asked Volvo to look at the battery. They confirmed it wasn't holding a good charge, so suggested I change the battery plus auxiliary battery.

The service was costing me enough, so I said I would bring it back the following month. Having called today for a price I was quoted £384 to supply and fit both batteries!

Seems pretty steep. I think I'll try the advice in this thread first - get a charger and leave it on for a few days, then try resetting the BMS as mentioned in this thread. https://www.volvoforums.org.uk/showthread.php?t=308958

[Miyo360]

Originally Posted by Clan

charge the battery for 48 hours with a charger that does not turn off on it's own .

...Which charger would you recommend, and/or what jargon am I looking for when finding a charger that doesn't turn itself off?

Thanks in advance!

[Moose Test]

I use and would recommend the Noko Genius range of chargers (I have the Genius 10, 10A model).

It has successfully recovered two "failed" batteries for me, fitted to my summer vehicles, which I've allowed to fully discharge over the previous winter season.

They have a specific de-sulphating operating mode, during which they charge for longer and at a higher voltage than is customary. They can also be left attached and switched on, as they will cycle in and out of operation automatically as the battery resting voltage drops again.

NOTE: If you're using the "recovery" mode you must disconnect the battery from the vehicle, to prevent overvoltage causing damage to its electronics.

[Miyo360]

Originally Posted by Moose Test

I use and would recommend the Noko Genius range of chargers (I have the Genius 10, 10A model).

Thanks. That 10A version is around £115 on Amazon. The 5A model is around £65 - would that still be suitable? What is the downside? Just takes longer?

Originally Posted by Moose Test

NOTE: If you're using the "recovery" mode you must disconnect the battery from the vehicle, to prevent overvoltage causing damage to its electronics.

...and I presume 'Recovery' is the mode I want to use?

Are there any "gotchas" with disconnecting the battery from the vehicle? Previous cars have had problems with keys and sounds systems needing re-registering. Sorry, for the dumb questions - I'm a real noob here.

Thanks in advance.

[Moose Test]

Originally Posted by Miyo360

Thanks. That 10A version is around £115 on Amazon. The 5A model is around £65 - would that still be suitable? What is the downside? Just takes longer?

Exactly that. The lower peak charge current just means that the total charge time for any given state of discharge will be longer. For normal top-up / maintenance charging it will make no real difference.

Originally Posted by Miyo360

...and I presume 'Recovery' is the mode I want to use?

Yes. In the user manual, Noco direct you to charge the battery once in normal 12v mode first, and then go for the Recovery operation. This has worked for me on two occasions, although to be fair, I'm sure there are also batteries which have truly reached the end of their functional life and which won't be helped. So there is an element of gamble, if you're just proposing to purchase it for this. Even if it doesn't work, I think it's a good quality charger for keeping any new battery in good condition over the winter period.

Originally Posted by Miyo360

Are there any "gotchas" with disconnecting the battery from the vehicle? Previous cars have had problems with keys and sounds systems needing re-registering. Sorry, for the dumb questions - I'm a real noob here.

No, nothing like that with Volvo. They have their own security systems for audio that don't use "radio codes". Worst that will happen is that you might need to set the clock again, if you have the battery off for any length of time.