I have a Volvo S70 1998 base model with 72,000 miles. Recently it stopped starting...the battery would just not hold a charge! The mechanic could not find an electrical leak. I changed the battery -- this is the 3rd battery! The new battery would not hold a charge either, so the mechanic changed the alternator. Yet, after a few days of driving, it seemed like it did not want to start again. Then, my mechanic thought that one of the door locks (which had not been working remotely for some time) was the culprit...it was draining the battery, so he "unplugged" its wiring. It seemed to work for a few days, but now it does not start right away again...I hear some clicking and it eventually starts. I am afraid it will quit starting again soon! What to do? Please advise. Thanks.

It's time to find a new mechanic. A new altenator could be expected only if the diode board burns out. The easy way to find a drain is to hook up a multimeter to the battery, and start pulling the fuses, one at a time to isolate the area where the current is going.

Klaus
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(V♂LV♂s 1975 164, 1995 854T, 1998 V70R)

What is the current drain?
Connect the meter and let the alarm, courtesy lights and everything else settler for 3-5 min and take a reading.