Battery drain

Using a lot of electrical current without allowing the vehicle to charge the start battery results in a low charge level and some electrical functions will be reduced or switched off. If the charge level drops below a certain level, it will no longer be possible to start the vehicle without jump-starting or charging with an external charger.

Several measures can be taken to reduce power consumption. Avoid using ignition mode II when the engine is switched off. Instead, use ignition mode I, which uses less electrical current. Do not use functions that use a lot of electrical current when the vehicle is not being driven. Examples of such functions are:

  • blower
  • headlights
  • windshield wipers
  • audio system
  • accessories plugged into the vehicle.

If the starter battery voltage is low, a message is shown in the driver display. The vehicle's energy-saving function will then turn off or reduce certain functions, such as the blower and the audio system.

To charge the battery, start the engine and let it run for at least 15 minutes (driving charges the battery faster than letting the engine idle).

If the battery's charge level is still low, or completely discharged, after taking these measures, the vehicle should be checked by a workshop – an authorized Volvo workshop is recommended.

 Note

High electrical current consumption may cause the battery capacity to drop below the minimum permitted level, which will temporarily limit the Start/Stop function. The engine will then start automatically without the driver lifting their foot from the brake pedal.

For vehicles with manual transmissions, the Start/Stop function is deactivated without the clutch being depressed if the gear selector is in neutral. The Start/Stop function becomes available again when the batteries have enough capacity to meet the power consumption demands.