09 S80 with original battery and winter approaching.

[adsk]

As thread title. I've had my S80 since March 2009 and it's still on the original battery. Currently everything seems fine but I'm wondering how much longer I'll get away without any problems.

[tommyweaves]

Do a voltage check across the battery when cold in the morning. My understanding is:

12.6v tip top, as new battery
12.4v Ok battery
12.2v battery getting tired
Anything less and it's on its way out and should be replaced.

[AndyV7o]

If you do need new, check out Tayna.co.uk. Great people, best prices, next day delivery. Varta (or bosch, same batt made by varta, different sticker) at prices you cant normally beat for a top-notch battery.

[KBB]

Originally Posted by tommyweaves

Do a voltage check across the battery when cold in the morning. My understanding is:

12.6v tip top, as new battery
12.4v Ok battery
12.2v battery getting tired
Anything less and it's on its way out and should be replaced.

I'm afraid that those test's with a multi meter will give only state of charge tests. The only way to test and predict the condition of a battery is with a battery load tester or midtronics battery assesors.

[Tannaton]

Originally Posted by KBB

I'm afraid that those test's with a multi meter will give only state of charge tests. The only way to test and predict the condition of a battery is with a battery load tester or midtronics battery assesors.

The minute you unlock the car to access the bonnet release catch - a number of systems start up expecting you to drive the car shortly and this places a load on the battery - maybe up to 10 amps - which will also affect the voltage.

The other issue that you have is batteries can fail in a number of ways - over time there is a gradual deterioration in capacity. Also an individual cell can fail or become weaker than the other 5 which will limit the current the battery can provide (without affecting the open circuit voltage).

You've had 10 years out of that battery - great service - but it might be down to 30% of its storage capacity... even though the voltage may be acceptable.

Statistically, there is probably a more than a 50% chance that it will not make it through the winter, so with that in mind, is spending £100 or so to avoid a likely breakdown a worthwhile investment? If it fails from old age it is likely to catch you out when you need it most - i.e. on a cold, frosty Monday morning when the AA are very busy.

As we always say with batteries, when getting prices it's always worth checking with the dealer as well as the specialists. The prices aren't too bad, you are guaranteed to get the correct one and as you have seen already the quality is very good...

[SwissXC90]

In my XC90 I replaced the original battery after 9 years of service life, and 125,000km. It was noticably tired.

The new original Volvo battery was much stronger. No low voltage alarms in the last year

When replacing, make sure you reset the low voltage alarm counters when the new battery is fitted. And write the installation date on the new battery. Just for future reference.

[Clan]

Originally Posted by adsk

As thread title. I've had my S80 since March 2009 and it's still on the original battery. Currently everything seems fine but I'm wondering how much longer I'll get away without any problems.

get it tested with a professional battery tester .. if you need a battery always try your dealer first they are amongst the cheapest and halfords among the dearest !

If it is weak it will fail on the first cold frosty morning ..

[40t]

I had mine (the original) tested by a dealer at 9.5 years and it scored 83% in the health check. Seems unlikely that I'd end up another of the same quality, so am hanging on to it for the time being (now 10.5 years).

[SwissXC90]

Originally Posted by 40t

I had mine (the original) tested by a dealer at 9.5 years and it scored 83% in the health check. Seems unlikely that I'd end up another of the same quality, so am hanging on to it for the time being (now 10.5 years).

The Dealer can supply original Volvo batteries which are original Volvo quality.

[robertjary]

Batteries seem to last much longer than when I started driving in 1973. The original one in my wife's 52 plate A class was replaced after 14 years. My daughter is using my A2 TDI, 54 plate. It's still running and starting instantly on the original battery.