Battery Voltage

SeaShell · Jul 8th, 2019, 20:52

Quick question...battery is at approx 12.2V at rest.

Is this a bit low?

I checked with a multi meter an also used an ODB reader which gave the same result.

Strangely when the reader was plugged in started getting messages about ESC and steering faults and a message asking if I would like the dealer to contact me.

In addition the handbrake also stopped releasing automatically.

I have funnily enough been having problems with what feel like 'stiff' spots in the steering but the car was in with Volvo a few weeks ago and nothing to report.

Could a low battery cause EPAS problems?

Thanks.

cheshired5 · Jul 8th, 2019, 21:26

Low system voltage or a dying battery can cause all manner of strange issues.

12.2v is low but it isn't necessarily the full story though so my video here shows more tests to see if your battery is ready for changing.

SeaShell · Jul 8th, 2019, 21:55

Many thanks. Watched the video .. very informative I'll do some more checking tomorrow.

The stop start system is also unavailable. It worked for a day or two following the last dealer visit, but the message at the moment relates to battery charging or battery temperature too low.

The current battery is 4 5 years old, so may just bite the bullet and replace it.

dgunthor · Jul 9th, 2019, 08:34

check the voltage when the car is running - should be 14.5V approx if the alternator working ok

SeaShell · Jul 9th, 2019, 08:48

Running voltage is okay approx 14.5V and car still starts fine.
May be worth getting a new battery just incase it fails in the Autumn.

The car got a god 100+ miles motorway runo last Saturday maybe a few more would not be a bad idea!

Thanks.

Craig S · Jul 9th, 2019, 09:16

Resting voltage on a full battery should be 12.6v

I had my battery on my 2014 D4 changed when it got down to 12.1v. The first system that went was the auto start stop, then after about a couple of months I got low battery warnings. By that point I checked using a multimeter and the resting overnight voltage was down to 12.1v.

I can recall reading somewhere that a battery with resting voltage of 12.2 volts is classed as 50% discharged (Think it was on haynes website), and once it is down to 12v its classed as completely discharged.

Zebster · Jul 9th, 2019, 10:11

Quote:

Originally Posted by SeaShell

...Strangely when the reader was plugged in started getting messages about ESC and steering faults and a message asking if I would like the dealer to contact me.

In addition the handbrake also stopped releasing automatically...

Mine often gives these exact same issues if I leave my ELM327 OBD2 interface plugged in (and my Toyota always puts on the ABS warning light whenever it's plugged in on that). I think it's just a quirk.

My stop/start hardly ever works and I often get low charge warning messages... been like this for at least 6 months! Maybe it's the original battery getting weak, or maybe it's because I leave the car parked up unused for several days in a row every week? It takes many hours of driving before the stop/start becomes active, possibly because of the way alternator charge has to be managed for these AGM/EFB type batteries? But once the stop/start does become active then it'll keep working OK for the next few days.

If you do buy a new battery do get the correct technology required for stop/start.

SeaShell · Jul 9th, 2019, 12:34

Thanks. I believe it's an AGM 096 that's required. I'll start pricing them up. I'm hoping the steering issue may. Be resolved with a new battery, I did read a post a while ago from someone with an S60 which had lumpy steering and a new battery solved it.

Fingers crossed.

Zebster · Jul 9th, 2019, 13:16

Quote:

Originally Posted by SeaShell

Thanks. I believe it's an AGM 096 that's required. I'll start pricing them up. I'm hoping the steering issue may. Be resolved with a new battery, I did read a post a while ago from someone with an S60 which had lumpy steering and a new battery solved it.

Fingers crossed.

This thread made me wonder about getting a new battery, so I had a quick look on the eurocarparts web site... an Exide AGM 096 is a whopping £300 there, although there's currently a 50% off battery discount ('FLASH50').

Tannaton · Jul 9th, 2019, 14:01

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zebster

This thread made me wonder about getting a new battery, so I had a quick look on the eurocarparts web site... an Exide AGM 096 is a whopping £300 there, although there's currently a 50% off battery discount ('FLASH50').

Try your Volvo dealer...

Jul 8th, 2019, 20:52	#1
SeaShell Member Last Online: Jan 31st, 2022 19:03 Join Date: Feb 2018 Location: Belfast	Battery Voltage Quick question...battery is at approx 12.2V at rest. Is this a bit low? I checked with a multi meter an also used an ODB reader which gave the same result. Strangely when the reader was plugged in started getting messages about ESC and steering faults and a message asking if I would like the dealer to contact me. In addition the handbrake also stopped releasing automatically. I have funnily enough been having problems with what feel like 'stiff' spots in the steering but the car was in with Volvo a few weeks ago and nothing to report. Could a low battery cause EPAS problems? Thanks.

Jul 8th, 2019, 21:26	#2
cheshired5 Premier Member Last Online: Dec 26th, 2021 13:42 Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Crewe	Low system voltage or a dying battery can cause all manner of strange issues. 12.2v is low but it isn't necessarily the full story though so my video here shows more tests to see if your battery is ready for changing. __________________ 2002 S60 SE D5 Manual 209000 miles

Jul 9th, 2019, 08:34	#4
dgunthor Senior Member Last Online: Sep 27th, 2022 13:38 Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Caerphilly	check the voltage when the car is running - should be 14.5V approx if the alternator working ok __________________ 2002 V70 2.5T [1999 V70 2.5 140 - scrapped]

Jul 8th, 2019, 21:55	#3
SeaShell Member Last Online: Jan 31st, 2022 19:03 Join Date: Feb 2018 Location: Belfast	Many thanks. Watched the video .. very informative I'll do some more checking tomorrow. The stop start system is also unavailable. It worked for a day or two following the last dealer visit, but the message at the moment relates to battery charging or battery temperature too low. The current battery is 4 5 years old, so may just bite the bullet and replace it.

Jul 9th, 2019, 08:48	#5
SeaShell Member Last Online: Jan 31st, 2022 19:03 Join Date: Feb 2018 Location: Belfast	Running voltage is okay approx 14.5V and car still starts fine. May be worth getting a new battery just incase it fails in the Autumn. The car got a god 100+ miles motorway runo last Saturday maybe a few more would not be a bad idea! Thanks.

Jul 9th, 2019, 09:16	#6
Craig S Member Last Online: Jun 28th, 2023 11:06 Join Date: Feb 2015 Location: Newcastle	Resting voltage on a full battery should be 12.6v I had my battery on my 2014 D4 changed when it got down to 12.1v. The first system that went was the auto start stop, then after about a couple of months I got low battery warnings. By that point I checked using a multimeter and the resting overnight voltage was down to 12.1v. I can recall reading somewhere that a battery with resting voltage of 12.2 volts is classed as 50% discharged (Think it was on haynes website), and once it is down to 12v its classed as completely discharged.

Jul 9th, 2019, 12:34	#8
SeaShell Member Last Online: Jan 31st, 2022 19:03 Join Date: Feb 2018 Location: Belfast	Thanks. I believe it's an AGM 096 that's required. I'll start pricing them up. I'm hoping the steering issue may. Be resolved with a new battery, I did read a post a while ago from someone with an S60 which had lumpy steering and a new battery solved it. Fingers crossed.

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