I have a 1991 Bertone Coupe (780). It is a 4 cylinder turbo with 127,000 miles. It is a beautiful car, and I really like it, but this electrical problem makes me want to get rid of it. I bought the car in June '98. The previous owner told me of a "minor" electrical problem which she got rid of when she got rid of the original equipment Volvo alarm, and put in an aftermarket alarm, along with a new Volvo battery. About a month after I bought it, the car began to not start in the morning after sitting all night in the garage. My regular mechanic (not a Volvo specialist) tested the charging system and reported that it was OK. He recommended the Volvo dealer. They ran a diagnostic and said the problem was the alternator. $500.00 + dollars and one month later it again began to not start in the morning. When I say not start I mean the battery is so dead that it doesn't even turn over. There may be a little dim dome light. During the day, even when it sits for 4-5 hours it starts fine. Next I took it to an auto electric "specialist". He tested the whole system and said my battery was no good. He replaced the battery. About 2 1/2 weeks later, the same problem; battery is dead in the morning. He says that he thinks there is an intermitent drain somewhere, but he doesn't know where. He thinks I am leaving something on somewhere, but I swear I'm not. I've checked the car over thoroughly to make sure everything is off. By the way, the Volvo dealer disconnected the clock, because he says that sometimes that can drain the system. The car is loaded with electronics. It has power seats, windows, door locks, sunroof, cassette, and originial equipment 6 CD changer with a premium sound system (including front and rear speaker amps). Could some of this stuff be causing the problem? We also have a 1988 740 wagon that runs very well and hasn't given us any electrical problems.Is there anyone out there who can help?! I can't live like this much longer! --
Roger K. Sandberg