AboutRay Niemi Expertise ASE Master Rated. Ask any questions about Volvo models up to 2000. Runnability, starting and charging system, diagnostic codes, brakes, front end, where to get certain parts. Should I buy this Volvo or not? I will try to answer your question and give you the knowlege to make the best decision in your case.
Experience I started working on Volvo's in 1978 at the dealer and attended all the schools and achieved a Master rating. Since 1999 I have worked at independent shops and now own my own shop.
Organizations Alldata on line repair manuals. IATN network of techs.
ASE rating of Master.
Expert: Ray Niemi Date: 6/24/2008 Subject: Key Off Battery Drain?
Question Had my battery charged and tested and it passed...when my '95 850 turbo sits for more than 2 days w/o starting, it won't start up (can sit for a day and it still starts up)...after 2 days, it tries to, but just doesn't have enough juice...jump start it and it fires right up...drive it around for a bit, turn it off, and if fires right back up, so I don't think it's the charging system...what's the regular amount of milliamp drain with the key off/for the KAM on these? should I hook up a digital multimeter to the battery and start pulling fuses/relays or do you know off hand what this might be? Thanks for any help.
Answer Charles,
Most likely there is a drain on the battery as the car sits. Something like a glove box light or door check light. That will take some testing and patients to find. Finding a draw will take time, it tends to be a tedious job. A test light between the negative cable and the negative post touching it together every few seconds while pulling fuse and or bulbs. If the light is lit even dimly there is a draw.
