2009 S60 afterblow system draining battery

Post by **div4scpro** » 27 Feb 2015, 18:40

the afterblow system seems to be taking an early toll on my batteries. I have isolated all other circuits and there is no other parasitic drain. has anyone experimented with using a marine deep cycle battery since the dealer wants more than what a new battery would cost to disable that function. any ideas or suggestions?

Post by **jimmy57** » 27 Feb 2015, 23:01

Are you sure it is afterblow? After blow i the interior fan coming on and running 40-50 min after a run where ambient temp is over 86 F and a/c was used and key cycle was 40 min or longer. Then the fan runs 8-12 minutes. The blower controller cna fail and let fan run after shutdown not meetng those conditions as the fan is constant 12V + fed and the controller regulates blower current on the ground side.

Post by **div4scpro** » 02 Mar 2015, 20:45

have had the same symptoms for at least 4 years. first battery failed after just 18 months. when exact symptoms were explained to dealer was assured that system was functioning normal. asked dealer about disabling this function but they explained it's function and stated that it would cost $200 plus to disable via their computer. blower comes on anywhere from 15 minutes on after engine shutdown and will continue to run for 30 to 60 minutes plus regardless of ambient temperature or whether AC was used.

Post by **JRL** » 02 Mar 2015, 20:54

Bull
No software required and it's a 5 minute deal to do

Post by **div4scpro** » 09 Mar 2015, 17:50

is that a 5 minute job by me or only by a dealer? What source could I quote to call the dealers bluff and get the job done?

EdRedSled · Post by **EdRedSled** » 11 Mar 2015, 16:08

FYI - My 2006 XC70 had a similar issue. I thought it was afterblow, but afterblow seems to kick on about 10 or so minutes after the car is off and then runs for a while. For my car it continued to run right after I shut the car off. I thought it was the control panel, it turns out it was the resistor.... Resistor was I think under $100 from FCP Euro, but its a little bit of work getting to it under the dash.

With respect to the comments above about computer/software. I don't think you need a software download (dealer exclusive), but you need a VIDA Dice tool to access the car's computer to turn off the afterblow. Typically the dealer is the only place with a VIDA, but I'd check around for an independent Volvo shops as its likely they will have a Vida and maybe you could get it done for less there (especially if you're having other work done as well). Its less than 20 minutes (more like 10).... if they know what they are doing.

You can also purchase a VIDA Dice tool from ebay for way under $200... and use it for lots of other things on your Volvo.

Post by **jimmy57** » 11 Mar 2015, 18:35

The afterblow is not causing the problem. The run time is too long and the qualifiers aren't met when it happens according to what you posted above.

Post by **div4scpro** » 18 Mar 2015, 18:15

Jimmy57, I completely agree with you that the system is not functioning properly but I can't seem to convince the dealer of that. Asked them to evaluate every time it went in for warranty service.

EdRedSled, if you know of a specific model VIDA Dice tool available, just point me in the right direction. Too many horror stories of people that have gotten bogus tools that didn't function at all or weren't compatible.

EdRedSled · Post by **EdRedSled** » 23 Mar 2015, 13:10

The tool will allow some diagnostics and ability to turn off the after blow (not sure that is your problem). A local independent shop could also turn it off for less than the dealer (so long as they had the Vida tool). Keep in mind that if you buy one, you will then need to figure out how to use it too.....(just sayin')

I am only aware of the VIDA Dice tools sold through ebay, and I do see there are multiple versions (2014A vs 2014D) - which may be software. if you car is older it may not matter (guessing). I am sure there is commentary here somewhere about this.

On Ebay, search "Vida Dice Tool" and you will see the grey box with the black ends. It connects to a PC (required). I worked with a guy who was an ex Volvo tech and that is what he has (which version I do not know). You may consider choosing a reseller with a good rating and some volume sold...

Strange that the dealer is telling you they checked and there is no issue. Might is make sense to create the condition at the dealer and leave it with them to sit until the battery dies? "How do explain that?"