Starter battery
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 the starter motor as well as other electrical equipment in the car.
The starter battery should be replaced by a workshop1.
The car has a voltage-regulated AC alternator.
The starter battery is a 12 V battery, designed for the carbon dioxide reducing functions Start/stop and 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.
During charging, both the starter battery and the support battery are charged.
![P5-1546-XC90 Battery charging points](https://www.volvocars.com/images/support/imgdea2b3f0fe55ecd6c0a80152492b9cc2_1_--_--_VOICEpnghigh.png?imwidth=1280)
Positive charging point
Negative charging point
Important
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
![P5-1617-V90 Starter battery location](https://www.volvocars.com/images/support/img6f80f47fe0c15f23c0a8015250c7b861_1_--_--_VOICEpnghigh.png?imwidth=1280)
Warning
Important
Specifications for starter battery
Volvo recommends entrusting battery replacement to an authorised Volvo workshop.