Recharge Battery or Buy a new One-1995 850GLT

viper69 · Post by **viper69** » 30 Apr 2026, 16:38

I keep my Volvo garaged. I don't have access to an outlet, so I cannot keep the battery charged with a trickle charger. I have basically a new battery that died (lack of driving, and the car alarm). It's been a year and I have decided to drive the car more frequently to keep the battery charged.

The battery itself is about 3 years old, but basically has never been used.

Should I recycle it, and buy a new one, or pull the battery and connect my Battery Tender to it in my house?

Post by **volvolugnut** » 30 Apr 2026, 18:25

Have you had the battery LOAD tested at a shop? That would be a good test of the actual condition of the battery.
volvolugnut

Post by **abscate** » 30 Apr 2026, 18:56

If it sat dead for ayear it needs a charger with a 'sulphating' current program to try bring it back to life.

Naturally you should purchase this through the Amazon link above

https://www.amazon.com/YONHAN-Fully-Aut ... B097D397M6

viper69 · Post by **viper69** » 30 Apr 2026, 20:01

I see now re sulphating. I'll think about it. I may recycle the battery...Thank you very much! However I'll use that link if I go w/that option, appreciate it.

viper69 · Post by **viper69** » 30 Apr 2026, 20:02

volvolugnut wrote: 30 Apr 2026, 18:25 Have you had the battery LOAD tested at a shop? That would be a good test of the actual condition of the battery.
volvolugnut

That's a good point! I have NOT done that actually. I will do so.Thanks!

Vova585 · Post by **Vova585** » 30 Apr 2026, 20:19

I personally like Noco products. You are paying premium for them, but they usually last long and in case of something, company has a good customer support. I own 4 of their product and only failed after 2 years of use. My personal favorite is S10. It is big and capable unit which even feels like a quality built unit.

In terms of battery it is all depends on your mindset. If money are not a problem- dont bother, get yourself the biggest capacity AGM(it will be more forgiving with infrequent driving)batery and be happy. Possibly install quick disconnect if you are not driving it regularly. Depending on the location of your garage, you can consider installing solar trickle charger which in combination with AGM battery will likely be an amazing option(if your garage has any sunlight exposure).
If budget is more tight and/or you are more environmentally cautious-remove, charge(smart charger will be great here) vs bring to auto store and ask them to charge and test(please load test and not only quick scanner test). Make your mind after receiving results. If baterry is 65-70% of life left..possibly consider having Gooloo GT4000($80) or GT4000S($100)jump starter pack and take it home with you when you leave car.

https://www.amazon.com/s?k=battery+char ... Schumacher

Post by **abscate** » 01 May 2026, 03:30

I think you have to use the flag link above and then find your product to get MVS and Matt his candy.

I concur with the NoCo product line

viper69 · Post by **viper69** » 01 May 2026, 05:46

Vova585 wrote: 30 Apr 2026, 20:19 I personally like Noco products. You are paying premium for them, but they usually last long and in case of something, company has a good customer support. I own 4 of their product and only failed after 2 years of use. My personal favorite is S10. It is big and capable unit which even feels like a quality built unit.

In terms of battery it is all depends on your mindset. If money are not a problem- dont bother, get yourself the biggest capacity AGM(it will be more forgiving with infrequent driving)batery and be happy. Possibly install quick disconnect if you are not driving it regularly. Depending on the location of your garage, you can consider installing solar trickle charger which in combination with AGM battery will likely be an amazing option(if your garage has any sunlight exposure).
If budget is more tight and/or you are more environmentally cautious-remove, charge(smart charger will be great here) vs bring to auto store and ask them to charge and test(please load test and not only quick scanner test). Make your mind after receiving results. If baterry is 65-70% of life left..possibly consider having Gooloo GT4000($80) or GT4000S($100)jump starter pack and take it home with you when you leave car.

https://www.amazon.com/s?k=battery+char ... Schumacher

What is this “quick disconnect” you mentioned?

Post by **abscate** » 01 May 2026, 06:15

Something like this..

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B07JYYXJH7/

I use this on my T5 if I am away for two weeks as the battery is a bit weak and the 50 mA drain can leave my battery low.

Battery is probably down to 40% capacity at this point

viper69 · Post by **viper69** » 02 May 2026, 06:48

abscate wrote: 01 May 2026, 06:15 Something like this..

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B07JYYXJH7/

I use this on my T5 if I am away for two weeks as the battery is a bit weak and the 50 mA drain can leave my battery low.

Battery is probably down to 40% capacity at this point

I didn’t know these existed! My garage doesn’t have any way keep a charger on the battery so this is good alternative.

So you only need one of these for the negative terminal.

Do you remove the knurled piece completely off to kill the battery drain?

If I get a new battery, should the quick disconnect be installed on the negative (black) post first- not the negative cable attached yet?

Then install the red positive cable, then attach negative black cable to the quick disconnect.

When using one of these, how long can I let the battery sit? I don’t know how long an unused battery drains generally speaking.