QuestionQUESTION: I have 2 Volvo 850's (1995 and 96). Both cars have difficulty starting. It seems like batteries go dead. Replaced batteries and problems persist. Volvo dealer says no unusual draws found. Is it a faulty ground or the security system, or...?
ANSWER: Jim, more information would be helpful. Are these daily drivers or do they sit for extended periods? When you say difficulty starting, do you mean they crank and crank but will not fire up? Or do you mean they only turn a couple of times and will not fire?
Obviously, to me, if they are daily drivers and will not start the next day, you must have an abnormal draw. Check the glove box. See if the light is staying/coming on after shutdown? Remove the bulb if you are not sure and see if that makes a difference.
Mark
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QUESTION: Mark- The 96 is driven daily, but it can sit for a day or two. I did hear that the Volvo glove boxes can be a potential problem. Is it more prevalent in cold weather. I will be looking into that. Basically the cars refuse to start and/or turn over at all. It seems as if they are completely dead. With a jump they will start, but it can take a while to charge up the system enough to stay running. My son also heard that the starters can sometimes stay on???
Answer Jim, I have never experienced a "starter" problem. But that does not mean it's not so? I would look hard at the glovebox. Yes cold weather aggravates the problem because the plastic shrinks and makes for less contact against the switch. Let me know what you find out.
Mark
