Volvo 340 GL - F reg.

Desperately seeking help.

My pride and joy has started to play up. It has decided to start some days and not others. We recently took the starter motor off, cleaned and refitted and she worked perfectly.

Two days or so later after being left undriven and left out in the cold she's back to her old tricks. We made direct contact from batter to solenoid to check ignition power terminal. Made no difference. Engine turning over v. slowly. Jump started. A few mins later car will start from own battery and engine turns over a good speed. Checked alternator - charging at about 14.5 volts. Checked power drain on batter when all turned off - only about 2 mll drain.

Any ideas would be gratefully received.

[niloc]

This post should be in the 300 series technical forum.
Check for loose, corroded or dirty earth bonding between the engine and car body.

How old is your battery?
If it is not holding its charge then it's most likely the battery that's dead.

14.3 to 14.5 volts is the correct charging voltage and you tell us that it starts perfectly when the car has been charging itself for a few minutes, also that jump starting is effective.

Off charge voltage should be 12.6+ when fully charged and 12.0- when discharged.

I would suggest that if it jump starts then the rest of the system is ok. Batteries don't last for ever.

Does the problem occur most when the weather is cold? This would also indicate a dead battery.

Hi John and Christina,

Thanks for your response - even though I apparently put the message in the wrong place. I have now posted it to the 300 series forum, but that was before I found your messsage! My battery is supposedly brand new. I had a new battery 5 months ago and when it was suggested it may be faulty I had it replaced with a more powerful battery. Any yes, cold weather does seem to be a factor.

Do you think my garage is giving me duff batteries?


Tricia

Hi Colin,

Thanks for your message. I have now posted it in the correct place.
Only then did I find your response - thanks. I will check this tomorrow.

Tricia

[niloc]

You need to check that your battery is charging properly. When the engine is running, read the voltage at the battery. This should be above 13.6 volts at idle. When you rev the engine, the voltage should stay the same, if it rises, then it may be that your voltage regulator is faulty. You would also notice your lights change brightness with changes in rpm.
I very much doubt that the garage is supplying duff batteries if you have tried 2 different sizes. When you first tried the larger capacity battery, did the car start properly? Try taking the battery off and charging overnight. Check also the acid level inside the battery. If this is low, it would affect the holding capacity of the battery.

[srtames]

the internal contacts inside the starter maybe worn . Try tapping with a wood block whilst someone turns ignition key. If it then works that confirms it. Easiest option is a recon starter motor as its quite tricky changing the worn contacts yourself .
good luck, Steve