2001 V70 XC, battery current draw in ignition position II

jonnycycles · Post by **jonnycycles** » 12 Jul 2026, 16:07

I recently got a vida setup for my PC, saw some warnings about being cautious not to drain the battery while using but thought I'll just be few minutes, no big deal. A short time later: dead battery.

After re-charging and using the charger while using Vida it took a little while longer, but still dead battery.

After some investigating I found the car draws 14 amps of current when the key is is position 2. Pulling the parking light fuse and battery fuse (aftermarket radio that's always on) I got it down to 10 amps, but this is still more than my 6 amp charger can provide.

I'll be honest, I have no idea as I never spent much time hanging out with the ignition in position II, but what is a normal current draw here? Should I dig deeper into this, or just get a bigger charger?

Noie · Post by **Noie** » 12 Jul 2026, 19:23

I try to keep it quick on VIDA for that reason. While initiating VIDA you need the key in position II, but after you identify the car and such you can turn on the engine to help keep the battery charged. Also as soon as you plug it in to the port it is powering it so have VIDA booted on your computer and ready to roll before you plug the DICE in. Unsure regarding amperage.

Post by **jonesg** » 13 Jul 2026, 02:58

Thats way over the limit, .50 amps is the upper limit.

Post by **vtl** » 13 Jul 2026, 09:18

Check the battery health. New 700 CCA battery has a lot of juice.

Vova585 · Post by **Vova585** » 13 Jul 2026, 12:50

Take into the account day time running lights 55w x2=9 amp. ECU, power to coils, prime the pump, energizing ETB, dashboard...
You need a good 20amp charger to do reliable work.
I have Noco10, but it was not enough for P3 and even P2. So I upgraded to this one. No complaints for 1 year of average use(7 times probably)
Look at this product I found on google.com https://share.google/AXkSZvmeMveV3k6CR

jonnycycles · Post by **jonnycycles** » 14 Jul 2026, 06:10

jonesg: No issues with the car off, the car can sit weeks and hold a charge. Its the key position II that draws the amperage.

vtl: Good point, it's not the freshest battery.

Vova585: Thanks! Getting a charger with more power seems like the way to go if one needs to spend any significant time dorking around with Vida. ....or just start the car, lol.

Post by **scot850** » 14 Jul 2026, 08:30

Is it safe to have a charger putting out 20A attached to a battery connected to a car?

Neil.

Post by **vtl** » 14 Jul 2026, 08:33

scot850 wrote: 14 Jul 2026, 08:30 Is it safe to have a charger putting out 20A attached to a battery connected to a car?

Neil.

Sure. I see it initially jumping to over 30A on a weak battery.

Post by **scot850** » 14 Jul 2026, 08:41

Off a car charging to 30A or so is ok. But while attached to a car?? I'm thinking Volvo tell you to have the key on to Pos II when reconnecting a battery to lessen the chances of frying the electrics, and even you alternator only charges at 14.5A or so.

Neil.

Vova585 · Post by **Vova585** » 14 Jul 2026, 09:11

Most of the modern charges are "smart". They can have functions that can repair, charge, steady voltage for different type of batteries Li, AGM...They also monitor the state of charge and vary ammount of charging from top number(for example 20 amp) to just a trickle upon checking that battery is topped off.