Car lurching when in gear + battery problem = ??

peacetalks · Post by **peacetalks** » 23 Sep 2012, 10:14

I have a 2000 S80.

1) thursday at 11 p.m. the car wouldn't start. I was gone all day Fri. and didn't try anything.
2) Sat at 11 a.m. had the car jumpstarted and it seemed fine at first.
Until I put it in gear. Then it started lurching/surging very badly and will barely move.
3) I thought it might be low on gas so I put in 4 gallons.
4) by this time, it was about 1 hour after the jumpstart. When I tried to start it
it wouldn't start, so apparently it didn't hold the charge.

Any ideas? I've heard it might be:

* alternator
* EGR leak
* mass flow air system problem

Will really appreciate any info/ideas! Thanks!

ChaddGostas · Post by **ChaddGostas** » 23 Sep 2012, 12:05

Check the distilled water level in your battery, my car wouldn't hold a charge either and I replaced the battery. If you put a multi-meter to the terminals when it runs it should measure 13+ volts. if it is 12 or less it is your alternator.

Post by **precopster** » 23 Sep 2012, 15:04

How many miles on the car?
The only thing I can guage here is that your battery appears weak. Buy a good battery charger and remove one of the battery terminals so it can be charged overnight. You'll need a radio code once it's reconnected. Don't charge with both terminals connected as home style chargers produce some AC voltage which your modules may not be happy with. Once charged the battery should have around 12.5 volts across the terminals. If this isn't achievable replace the battery.

Reconnect the battery with key in position II. Have your radio code handy. Once started while engine is running test the battery voltage. If the alternator is healthy there should be over 14volts even with some accessories on. Anything less for these juice hungry warriors and the electrics begin to play up. There's over 20 modules in an S80 so correct supply voltage is crucial.
Let us know how you go.