Am thinking of purchasing a 1999 S70GLT. Very clean 57K miles. Battery was "flat" when I first looked at the car, seller was mystified.
When researching this model I saw one reference to an electrical gremlin in which battery drains when some S70's sit for several days.
I know they have the usual Volvo electrical/ABS/computer problems but is there a specfic difficult to solve problem with some S70's draining the battery when not driven for several days?
Howard
Most probably from others looking at the car or the owner cleaning it. Courtesy lights come on, buyers want to hear the radio, sit there talking, idles a lot, short drive, etc. Owner probably has new car, doesn't drive daily. 1999 probably has original battery, now it needs a new one. Nothing to worry about.
Its true that there is an alarm / immobilizer problem with these cars which can flatten the battery after 3-4 days. Its also very hard to sort according to my dealer!
Or could have been a light stuck on...
Tim..
Thats a bad excuse from the dealer. The original alarm draws very little current, i have had my car parked for two weeks with no problems.
Niels
Similarly my 1999 V70 (old shape - same chassis as S70) was parked for SIX weeks with no problem.
I agree, the battery is likely just worn out. The original batteries aren't known to last well.
However, don't blame the alarm. My 1999 S70 was stored for 8 months last year -- no problem with original battery. The alarm was enabled the entire time.
Jeff
Hi Howard
The S70 is not draining battery more than any modern car.
A common problem however with dealer cars is that the battery often gets damaged. This is because they stand at the dealer, people take it for a short test drive, or just start them up. Eventually the battery gets drained. Then the dealer gives the battery a quick charge. Batteries are sensitive and does not like to stand unused, get totally drained or the quick chargers dealers use. So they often take damage from this. A damaged battery will have less "oumph" to start a cold engine, and does not get fully charged when you drive. Chances are you never notice your battery is bad until that very cold day when you need it the most... I would reccomend that you always check the battery when you buy a dealer car (or get a fresh one in the bargain). Make sure they change the oil too... /Patrik
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