Low battery warning - Page 2

scbamber · Jun 12th, 2020, 21:31

The small support battery is always AGM, and the bigger main battery can be EFB or AGM depending on engine size and whether manual or automatic gearbox. A manual car usually has EFB, and an automatic often has AGM. The label on the main battery will probably tell you, or you can work it out from the car's instruction manual.

To answer your question, only use the AGM setting on the CTEK if the main battery is an AGM. The small support battery is always an AGM: it is not charged by the CTEK but kept charged by the car's electrical system (ie the main battery and the alternator) when the car is being used. You connect the CTEK's red lead or crocodile clip to the red terminal on the main battery, and then the black lead to a metal point anywhere nearby in the engine compartment.

If the main battery is an EFB, it does it no good at all if you use the AGM setting as the charge is then programmed to use a higher charging voltage than an EFB can stand.

You'll be fine!

XC70Virgin · Jun 13th, 2020, 06:33

Or save yourself a lot of faffing about and just take the car for a decent drive. It's low from sitting unused.

Elizakate · Jun 13th, 2020, 17:42

scbamber,
Thank you for your reply and explanations. Very helpful and much appreciated.

Elizakate · Jun 13th, 2020, 17:46

XC70Virgin wrote "Or save yourself a lot of faffing about and just take the car for a decent drive. It's low from sitting unused."

Not a very helpful suggestion when we are supposed to stay at home!

Agro · Jun 21st, 2020, 04:22

Quote:

Originally Posted by Elizakate

Whyman, Another query for you. I received my charger this afternoon and have been watching the videos as suggested by another member. One of the functions on the charger is for an AGM battery. In the owners manual for my car it says " When replacing the starter battery in cars with the Start/Stop function, a battery of EFB type or stronger must be installed. When replacing the support battery, a battery of AGM type must be fitted". I believe the car has two batteries so do I use the AGM function? I am so frightened of doing something wrong!!

We have a 2013 V40 D4 5cyl with stop/start and it has a single AGM battery (which is what is specified). Should be the same with your car but check your owners manual for the battery specification. You could also double check with your volvo service center.

These cars with stop/start really chew through batteries, especially if you do very low klms like we do. Ours has had 2 battery replacements since new and not far away from its third.

Jun 12th, 2020, 21:31	#11
scbamber Member Last Online: Apr 17th, 2024 11:45 Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Norfolk	The small support battery is always AGM, and the bigger main battery can be EFB or AGM depending on engine size and whether manual or automatic gearbox. A manual car usually has EFB, and an automatic often has AGM. The label on the main battery will probably tell you, or you can work it out from the car's instruction manual. To answer your question, only use the AGM setting on the CTEK if the main battery is an AGM. The small support battery is always an AGM: it is not charged by the CTEK but kept charged by the car's electrical system (ie the main battery and the alternator) when the car is being used. You connect the CTEK's red lead or crocodile clip to the red terminal on the main battery, and then the black lead to a metal point anywhere nearby in the engine compartment. If the main battery is an EFB, it does it no good at all if you use the AGM setting as the charge is then programmed to use a higher charging voltage than an EFB can stand. You'll be fine! Last edited by scbamber; Jun 12th, 2020 at 22:59.

Jun 13th, 2020, 06:33	#12
XC70Virgin Member Last Online: Yesterday 22:32 Join Date: Apr 2018 Location: Newry	Or save yourself a lot of faffing about and just take the car for a decent drive. It's low from sitting unused. __________________ Feb 2010 XC70 SE Lux in White. T6.

Jun 13th, 2020, 17:42	#13
Elizakate New Member Last Online: Feb 23rd, 2022 21:35 Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: Callander	scbamber, Thank you for your reply and explanations. Very helpful and much appreciated.

Jun 13th, 2020, 17:46	#14
Elizakate New Member Last Online: Feb 23rd, 2022 21:35 Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: Callander	XC70Virgin wrote "Or save yourself a lot of faffing about and just take the car for a decent drive. It's low from sitting unused." Not a very helpful suggestion when we are supposed to stay at home!

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