Hello All,

I have a 1996 850 GLT wagon with nearly 270,000 miles on it. It is a non-turbo with a 5 speed manual. About two months ago, the car was in the auto body shop and not being driving daily for several days. When I went to start the car, the battery was dead. The auto body shop gave me a jump and I was one my way. I checked at the time to see if one of the auto body technicians had left an interior light on which caused the battery to drain. No lights had been left on. I was annoyed at the time because I had just put a new battery in the car, and thought perhaps it was defective. I brought the car to the independent Volvo repair shop that had sold me the battery. The shop tested the battery, and said it was good, i.e. they put "a load" on the battery and it held its charge. Based upon the cars age, the shop suggested that one of the door light switches may have become defective. The way to check was to look inside the car at night to see if the red lights built into the side of the doors were on. I did check, but could not see any light illuminating from the red door lights. I continued to drive the car without incident (driving the car every day), until recently when I parked the car for two weeks and went on vacation. When I returned, the battery was drained dead. Again, once I jumped the battery, I was on my way. It appears that as long as I drive the car every day, I won't get stuck due to a drained battery. There is a small power leak somewhere, but I can't seem to isolate it. I've asked the shop where I get my Volvo serviced if they had any suggestions on how to find this leak and they said they would get back to me.

In the interim, I'd like to know if anyone else has had a similar experience where a slow power drain kills the battery if the car is allowed to sit for a few days. Thanks to all who respond. Again, I check for any obvious power leak to no avail.

Thanks in advance!

Hugh

If you search prior post, you will find answers. The usual culprit is the glove box door warping slightly and keeping the light on - solution is to glue a penny on the door to tighten up the switch space.

The best way to find a power drain is to use a multimeter and check the battery draw. Then pull 1 fuse at a time and see if the draw lessens to find the circuit that is at fault. Pulling the radio fuse will cause you to re-input the radio code!

Klaus
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I still miss my 164 and my 854T. Just driving a V70R :)

I used a self adhesive rubber bumper that is made for a cabinet door. Any home center should have a sheet of them for a couple of bucks.

...Lee

Klaus,

Thank you for your response. The lid on the glove box is slightly loose from wear and tear, so I'll try your suggestion with the penny.

I'm embarrassed to ask this, but how do you access "prior postings" on technical questions?

Thanks,

Hugh

From the index page for AWD, use the search box on the right hand side. Just a couple of key words.

Klaus
--
I still miss my 164 and my 854T. Just driving a V70R :)