Hello all!

I had a problem a month or so ago with the battery draining and needing to get jump started multiple times. I posted here and got some good suggestions of things to check. I taped a nickle on the glove compartment door, and had my Volvo Indy check the charge on the battery and condition of the alternator. All was fine; they simply recharged the battery ( an Interstate less than 2 years old). They found no other draw on the electrical system or other cause. I had already checked for interior lights staying on.

There were no problems for about 3 weeks; it even started with no problem after sitting for 9 days while I was away for the holidays. It also started this past week when temps dropped down to 15 by morning. Today I was out and about and decided to check and clear my codes (I have an occasional code 154 showing up in the A6 port). After doing that the car wouldn't start - it doesn't even start to crank, it just makes a slight whirring noise! I got it jumped and it started immediately and ran fine. I now recall that a month or so ago when this first started happening, I had checked and cleared codes and it would not start then, too. Could checking and clearing codes be related to the no-start problem? I always turn the ignition switch to accessory when checking codes (engine not running).

Anyone else encountered something like this?

Thanks and Happy New Year Brickboarders!

Steve
1994 854 N/A, 167K

Your 164 in a-6 is EGR flow too high, which means a vacuum line problem or the large air hose has a crack and needs to be replaced. No big deal and will not have anything to do with a no start.

I suspect that the battery is at a minimal charge and when you turn the key to posII to check your codes, the cabin fan is running along with the idle air control motor and your battery is then too weak to excite the starter.

Get yourself a trickle charger, either solar or plugin, and get the battery up to a full charge. That usually takes 24 hours.
Then make sure you don't drive around with your headlights "on" all of the time, use the switch to turn them off when not needed. If your alternator is cranking 14.5V and your headlights are using 12V, not enough is being supplied to the battery for a full charge... especially for trips less than 30 minutes.

Klaus
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The 164 has a new home, all I am left with are a 95 854T and a 98 V70R :)