2003 S40 turns over slowly but wont fire

Cavemn94 · Post by **Cavemn94** » 13 Nov 2020, 17:48

Took my daughters 2003 S40 out for an errand. Had some problem with opening the truck lid as the button on the FOB doesn't work. Set off the alarm, shut it off with the unlock button. No issues. Started fine and drove home. An hour later my wife went to take it and it wouldn't start. Kinda feels like a dying battery, but doesn't seem to want to take a jumpstart.
Note: This car is new to my daughter and have never owned a Volvo myself. Has been running flawlessly until now. We've only had it a few weeks though. Ideas?? Thanks in advance

Post by **volvolugnut** » 13 Nov 2020, 18:00

Can you test the battery voltage at the battery terminals? These Volvos do not like low battery voltage. If the battery is old or the alternator is weak, the battery voltage (and battery charge) may be low. You need to measure about 12.6 volts without the car running and no electrical load for a well charged battery. Then start the car and recheck the voltage while running. You should measure around 14.5 volts for a good charging system.
volvolugnut

Cavemn94 · Post by **Cavemn94** » 13 Nov 2020, 18:01

I'll check, but the battery is brand new, or so I was told when we bought it, from a dealer

Post by **volvolugnut** » 13 Nov 2020, 18:55

If the battery is new, then I suspect the charging system. Or an electrical load while car is off. Sometimes lights, like the glove box, can stay on.
volvolugnut

Post by **alschnertz** » 15 Nov 2020, 11:53

I'm not trying to sound like a jerk, but what symptoms are you having that you describe as " feels like a dying battery"?

New doesn't always mean good. I'd still test it as volvolugnut suggested.
Even better is to use a load tester on it. If you don't have one, maybe a place like Autozone or O'Reily's tests them?
Probably wouldn't hurt to remove and clean the battery terminals and clamps too.

Post by **RickHaleParker** » 16 Nov 2020, 00:47

I bought my 2003 S40 that way for $500.00 with only 110,000 miles on it. The tensioner was broken and let the timing belt jumped a couple of teeth. Enough to cause a no start condition but not interference.