06 S60, Weird Starting Issue

s_watts · Post by **s_watts** » 08 Jul 2020, 20:10

This issue perplexes me, perhaps one of you better mechanics can help me diagnose this.

My volvo will start fine in morning. When I drive somewhere and turn car off, and come back in a few minutes... it will not semi-struggle to start. If I drive i make another stop and turn the car off, it may have a very weak crank and not start at all. Sometimes if car is warm it starts right up, but that is less often than not. What is funny is that the next morning there is no starting issues.

It has been this way for a couple months with consistency. At first I found I had issue with contactor on the starter solenoid, but after cleaning that connection I dont believe that is the current issue.

Any thoughts on what could be happening?

Thanks,
Brian

Post by **darrylrobert** » 09 Jul 2020, 02:48

Weak crank sounds like the battery is running flat?..i had an intermittent charging alternator on my xc70, no warning signs displayed or anything.

I knew the alternator or battery was suspect as it would struggle to start after being driven.I took the car to an auto electrician and he said "battery is charging fine" next day the alternator completly failed i got a "Low battery" warning on the freeway before the engine stopped soon after.

Post by **jonesg** » 09 Jul 2020, 08:18

With many cars being laid up for a few winter months the green gremlins can creep into connections.
Signal wire to my alt lost contact with the regulator, no warning light but no charge either until low battery warning.
Its worth checking battery volts whilst running.
I had 12.5 engine off, 11.5v engine running. !

s_watts · Post by **s_watts** » 26 Jul 2020, 19:01

So, because its riding season I just now got to looking at the battery and then do a full charge.

I took it out and had it tested at Auto store, they said it was a solid battery. That makes sense, it was replaced 9 months ago.

Any ideas on the nest thing to check? Im hoping elimination will point me to the issue.

Post by **jonesg** » 29 Jul 2020, 04:56

My battery is solid too but if the alternator isn't charging....
Voltage across the battery posts should be 14v+ with engine idling.

ignatz · Post by **ignatz** » 29 Jul 2020, 05:21

On a 98 S70 t5 I had,.........I seemed to have battery issues or charging issues. I installed one of my digital voltmeters inside the car so I could see what was going on. The readings were in the lower 13's and jumped around a bit, not showing a steady charge.
One day I touched and felt the positive battery cable and it was super hot. After replacing the positive cable the problem was solved.
The voltmeter now started reading higher and the new cable never got hot.