XC60 D5 - short journeys / lack of use

[daern]

Hi all,

So perhaps not an uncommon question in these times, but with the current lockdown, my 2014 XC60 D5 AWD is doing very few (if any) long journeys and, were I to completely obey the lockdown restrictions, may not do any for some months to come.

What considerations do I need to have for this particular vehicle and what problems am I likely to have? I've had issues in the past (particularly with Renaults) with DPF regeneration cycles, but haven't given any thought to it with this car until now. My wife's car (2015 Megane diesel) will certainly have issues if not used for decent journeys, so it has been furloughed for now (sadly, without 80% salary payment!) so the Volvo will have to be used, albeit infrequently.

Thoughts / opinions / recommendations welcomed.

[Tannaton]

I would be surprised if you had a problem, it's rare to hear of DPF issues on these cars - it's a well designed implementation that works really well in the absence of other issues.

All I would say is if you get onto national speed limit roads - boot it as you join - it's about keeping all the vacuum and boost control systems free and working as well.

[dhr90]

My daily commute used to be about 7 miles each way, consisting of about 2 miles in town with plenty of stop start and the rest 50mph B roads. I was averaging a long journey maybe every 6-8 weeks which seemed to keep the DPF and EGR happy enough. Only problem as such was a drop in the average 50-55mpg down to 43-47mpg depending on type of journeys I had been doing. No warning lights. I would try to floor the throttle every now and then to help keep things clean and free.

[piotrek]

I would be more concerned with 12V battery when car is parked. Battery state of charge drops approx. 1% every day.

The state of charge (SOC) can be displayed on a smartphone in Car Scanner ElmObd2 app, battery is charged to 82-85% SOC when car is used frequently. You can also read the DPF soot level, if needed.
Check the quiescent current (standby battery drain) - should not exceed 25mA. All electronic gadgets should be disconnected (dash cam, bluetooth/wifi dongle).

[TrollSniper]

Mine is getting a 20 mile run out once a week shopping. Put the charger on it yesterday and it only accepted charge for 20 minutes, quite surprised at that.

[Rocinante]

Originally Posted by piotrek

I would be more concerned with 12V battery when car is parked. Battery state of charge drops approx. 1% every day.

The state of charge (SOC) can be displayed on a smartphone in Car Scanner ElmObd2 app, battery is charged to 82-85% SOC when car is used frequently. You can also read the DPF soot level, if needed.
Check the quiescent current (standby battery drain) - should not exceed 25mA. All electronic gadgets should be disconnected (dash cam, bluetooth/wifi dongle).

Piotrek, I note that you said that the car should be charging to 82 to 85%, but any idea at what state of charge it is going to start having trouble actually starting the car ?

[Clan]

Originally Posted by piotrek

I would be more concerned with 12V battery when car is parked. Battery state of charge drops approx. 1% every day.

The state of charge (SOC) can be displayed on a smartphone in Car Scanner ElmObd2 app, battery is charged to 82-85% SOC when car is used frequently. You can also read the DPF soot level, if needed.
Check the quiescent current (standby battery drain) - should not exceed 25mA. All electronic gadgets should be disconnected (dash cam, bluetooth/wifi dongle).

Volvo have recommended that the battery is charged every 2 weeks on cars laid up , also put 50 psi in the tyres to prevent local distortion .( just as they do for new cars )

[piotrek]

Originally Posted by raymondcoia

Piotrek, I note that you said that the car should be charging to 82 to 85%, but any idea at what state of charge it is going to start having trouble actually starting the car ?

I could start my diesel engine with battery at 30% SOC. I have no idea what could be the lowest SOC for battery to still crank the engine. I would probably not let it drop under 20-25% SOC. Besides, petrol engines are much easier to start than diesels.

Unfortunately, modern AGM 12V batteries should not be left fully discharched even for a day or two, as they might suffer irreparable damage.

[Gangrel1971]

Went to start my xc60 d5 this morning and it wouldn’t turn over. When charging the battery is it as simple as connecting the charger to the body of the car and the batteries positive terminal. Thanks for any advice given.

[Clan]

Originally Posted by Gangrel1971

Went to start my xc60 d5 this morning and it wouldn’t turn over. When charging the battery is it as simple as connecting the charger to the body of the car and the batteries positive terminal. Thanks for any advice given.

yes but to fully charge it will need as much over 24 hours as you can leave it .. The fact it is flat means it is likely to never be the same .. volvlo have recommended you charge it every two weeks during this shut down .