I think the alarm is draining my battery

LuvmyNoah · Post by **LuvmyNoah** » 30 Dec 2009, 20:50

Hi Everyone,
I'm having a lil problem. I bought my car two weeks ago. When I first got the car I would press the alarm remote to unlock and lock the car, and it wouldn't chirp it would just lock and unlock the car. A couple of days ago it started chirping and the lights would blink; the same day, I got back in my car from coming out of the store and the car wouldn't start, it just won't turn completely over. I did it a couple of times and then it started again. I went to work the next day and when I came out it wouldn't start again. Then I realized it was the battery....I tried to have it jumped and it wouldn't start, then my dad took the battery out and charged it from home over night. We put the battery in at full charge and it was fine. Then I went to CVS, went in the store came out and I had the same problem. Does anyone think that the alarm could be draining the battery or does it sound like something else? If it's the alarm is there a way to turn the alarm system off again?

PUGFOLK · Post by **PUGFOLK** » 31 Dec 2009, 10:54

Volvo alarms have never made chirping or beeping sounds when the alarm is activated, so if your car did if might have had an aftermarket alarm installed. If this was installed incorrectly or if it has a faulty ground or short, it could be causing a power drain.

A notorious source of power drain '95/'96 850's/940's and similar is the air pump relay (#2/53). This relay due to its location under the left side of the front bumper get water logged and fail. When it fails it causes a power drain and dead battery.

Good luck!

Post by **billofdurham** » 31 Dec 2009, 11:39

LuvmyNoah, welcome to Matthew's Volvo Site.

The air pump relay on the 960 is in the main relay board so should not be affected by water.

Have you had the battery tested? As you have only had the car for two weeks this should be done first, unless you know the battery is OK.
If the battery checks out OK you obviously have a parasitic drain which you need to fix ASAP.

You can find instructions for this here.

Bill.

Post by **jmmxc** » 31 Dec 2009, 12:00

I had a similar issue when I first got my 850GLT, '96 some years ago. That was temporary. Got back to the dealer, who explained the car was wet still after complete engine and body clean up.
Then as recently as 4 years ago, car left in the driveway, my battery drained while I was away on 2wk vacation. After a thourough search they found out my glove box light was always on. This is after I was charged for a new alternator, then replaced the battery.
In addition to the alarm and the other suggestions, check for small cabin light(s) that may be acting up.
Good luck.
jmmxc
Volvo GLT, '96

LuvmyNoah · Post by **LuvmyNoah** » 31 Dec 2009, 12:39

Thank You so much everyone... I'm sooooo sad. We charged the battery and it started up just fine this morning then I was on my way to the Gas station and I had my foot on the gas but my car wasn't excelerating I pulled over and turned the car off then it wouldn't start. It starts to turn over and doesn't turn completely, it seems as if the car isn't getting any gas. I thought maybe there was less gas then the car was saying but I tried putting gas in and it still won't turn over. A couple of times it did turn over but with very little power only to turn off shortly after..I wonder what is going on. I'm going to get it to a mechanic as soon as possible but if anyone has any suggestions I'd glady and gratiously love to hear your thoughts. Thank you.

Post by **matthew1** » 31 Dec 2009, 12:47

Let's disregard the gas issue for a second. Is the engine "turning over" when you try to start it? Turning over means the battery is moving the engine internals to try to get it to catch ('ruh-ruh-ruh' sound).

If you turn the key and nothing happens (no 'ruh-ruh-ruh') your battery is dead. Forget charging it over night, batteries have a useful lifespan and after that you just need to buy a new one.

That is the most likely scenario.

If the battery is new-ish, and it's being drained, then I'd say to look for a source of electrical drain.

Start with the simplest, cheapest, most likely explanation. If it's not that, then move to other explanations.

Post by **billofdurham** » 31 Dec 2009, 12:51

I have remarked on this forum several times that we are divided by a common language. I do know that some of the US technical terms are different from ours, or vice versa.

Perhaps you can clarify "It starts to turn over and doesn't turn completely".

In the UK this means that the starter motor isn't turning the engine over, or is only doing it slowly. Is this the problem or are you past that point?

Bill.

LuvmyNoah · Post by **LuvmyNoah** » 31 Dec 2009, 13:08

I'm sorry Bill, my explanation probaly isn't great without the different terminology because I'm not used to talking about cars. There is a ruh-ruh-ruh but that's it. It feels like the engine isn't getting any gas. The car sounds strong. The battery is charged completely, I think. I don't have that much money but I don't want to give up on this car I really really love it.

Post by **billofdurham** » 01 Jan 2010, 12:07

If the starter motor is turning the engine but it still doesn't start then the next two things to check are fuel and spark.

The quick way to check for fuel is to turn the engine with the starter for a few seconds then remove one of the spark plugs. If it is wet with petrol then there is no problem with the fuel flow.

If the plug is dry you need to check that the fuel pumps are operating.

First check fuse #4 in the engine compartment fuse box. The fuse box is on the left side of the engine compartment. If that is OK check the pumps.

You have two pumps, one in the tank, which is a priming pump, and the main pump mounted in a cradle under the car about level with the rear right hand side door. The cradle also carries the fuel filter.

Remove the filler cap and put your ear near to the filler hole. Have someone turn on the ignition and you should hear the in-tank pump whir, but only for a very short time. To check the main pump you need to get down so you can reach under the car to the pump. With your hand on the pump have someone turn on the ignition. You should be able to feel the pump working. You should also be able to hear it.

If the pumps aren't working it is possible that the main relay in the engine compartment fuse box is sticking or burnt out. Give relay C a hard flick with your finger. Then try to start the car again.

960 engine compartment relay_fuse box..pdf: (176.86 KiB) Downloaded 237 times

Keep us updated.

Bill.

LuvmyNoah · Post by **LuvmyNoah** » 01 Jan 2010, 21:39

Thank you so much. I will try this tomorrow and get back to you. Your wisdom is soooo apreciated. I have hope.