I had a problem starting my S70 yesterday. Started fine in the morning for a short city driving trip, but then a couple hours later, it wouldn't even turn over. Was able to jump it, and then I let it run for a while to charge it up, but when I came back out a half hour later, it had stopped running (oil, battery, and CEL were on). My initial thought was the alternator, but there is also a good degree of turquoise colored corrosion on the battery positive terminal, so I'm wondering if this corrosion is preventing proper charging. Maybe if I clean the corrosion, the connection will be stronger and the battery will charge. Or is the corrosion a sign of a bad battery altogether? If I do clean the corrosion, what are the best methods to use?

Thanks a lot for any suggestions.

The corrosion can be neutralised by scrubbing the corrosion with a small brush (old toothbrush works fine) dipped in a solution of sodium bicarbonate. Once the residue has been washed away with clean water and fully dried, apply a smear of vaseline (petroleum jelly) to both terminals to prevent further corrosion. If it was really bad, suggest removing both terminals (negative first) and making sure mating surfaces are shiny before reinstalling (negative last). You'll need your radio code.
--
'98 N/A S70 184,000Klm

Thanks for the help. So now all I have to do is find out what type of battery to buy, and decide if I should install it myself or go to PepBoys/Autozone. Is changing the battery as easy as disconnecting the old, and connecting the new (and then finding a place to dispose of the old one)? Are there any online references, or is it not even tough enough to warrant that?

Thanks again!

When you buy a new battery, be prepared to give them the old one for proper disposal. Just bring a wrench along, if you want to do it yourself. Most places will change the battery for you, as part of the cost.
All battery places have a chart which will indicate which battery you need. Just make sure the demensions are the same, as well as the Cold Cranking Amps (CCA). More CCAs are OK, fewer are not.

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

When you get a new battery, you will need the radio code! Take the red terminal off the battery after taking off the black one. Clean the red connection completely with a wire brush until it is shiney.
Don't forget to find out why your CEL is on!

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

if there is lots at corrosion at the + terminal, it means acid is leaking from the battery.

Get a new battery and be done.
--
'88 240, '92 745, '98 v70 -John, Tampa Bay