Starter battery

Updated 19/03/2020

The electrical system is single-pole and uses the chassis and engine casing as a conductor.

The starter battery is used to start up the electrical system and drive electrical equipment in the car. The hybrid battery is used when the internal combustion engine is started.

The starter battery should be replaced by a workshop1.

The starter battery is a 12 V AGM battery (Absorbed Glass Mat), designed for regenerative charging, and to support the functionality of the car's different systems.

The service life and function of the starter battery is influenced by factors such as the number of starts, discharging, driving style, driving conditions, climatic conditions etc.

Never disconnect the starter battery when the engine is running.
Check that the cables to the starter battery are correctly connected and properly tightened.

Warning

The battery can generate oxyhydrogen gas, which is highly explosive. A spark can be formed if a jump lead is connected incorrectly, and this can be enough for the battery to explode.
Do not connect the jump leads to any fuel system component or any moving part. Be careful of hot engine parts.
The battery contains sulphuric acid, which can cause serious burns.
If sulphuric acid comes into contact with eyes, skin or clothing, flush with large quantities of water. If acid splashes into the eyes - seek medical attention immediately.
Never smoke near the battery.

Charging points

When connecting an external starter battery or battery charger, use the car's charging points in the engine compartment.

The battery terminals on the car's starter battery in the luggage/cargo area must not be used.

P5-1519-XC90 Hybrid Starter battery charging points

Important

It is not possible to charge another car’s battery by means of current through the charging points. Using the charging points to charge another car's battery may cause a fuse to blow, which means that the charging points will stop working.

Important

When charging the starter battery, only use a modern battery charger with controlled charging voltage. Fast charging function must not be used since it may damage the battery.

Note

If both the starter battery and the hybrid battery are discharged then both batteries must be charged. In such a case, charging only the hybrid battery first is not possible.

In order for the hybrid battery to be charged the starter battery must have a certain state of charge.

Important

If the following instruction is not observed then the energy saving function for infotainment may be temporarily disengaged, and/or the message in the driver display about the starter battery's state of charge may be temporarily inapplicable, following the connection of an external starter battery or battery charger:

The negative battery terminal on the car's starter battery must never be used for connecting an external starter battery or battery charger - only the car's negative charging point may be used as the grounding point.

Note

The life of the battery is shortened if it becomes discharged repeatedly.

The life of the battery is affected by several factors, including driving conditions and climate. Battery starting capacity decreases gradually with time and therefore needs to be recharged if the car is not used for a longer time or when it is only driven short distances. Extreme cold further limits starting capacity.

To maintain the battery in good condition, at least 15 minutes of driving/week is recommended or that the battery is connected to a battery charger with automatic trickle charging.

A battery that is kept fully charged has a maximum service life.

Location

Warning

If the starter battery is disconnected, the automatic opening and closing function must be reset to work properly. A reset must take place for pinch protection to work.

Important

On certain models, the battery is attached with a retaining strap. Make sure the retaining strap is properly tightened.

Specifications for starter battery

Battery type	H8 AGM
Voltage (V)	12
Cold start capacity2 - CCA3 (A)	850
Size, L×B×H	353×175×190 mm (13.9×6.9×7.5 inches)
Capacity (Ah)	95

Volvo recommends entrusting battery replacement to an authorised Volvo workshop.

Important

If the battery is replaced, make sure you replace it with a battery with the same size, cold starting capacity and type as the original battery (see the decal on the battery).