Volvo Repair: 1994 850, Winter Mode, winter mode, schlender

Question
The winter mode on my '94 850 has started turning on and off (usually on) at will, with no response when I press the control button.  Another problem cropped up around the same time: the starter tries to turn over, but sometimes my engine starts, and sometimes it doesn't.

My mechanic told me that it was caused by having the "wrong kind of battery", and that it could be fixed by installing the correct battery.  Does this make sense to you?

Thank you sincerely,
Paige Erin Schlender
Austin, Texas

Answer
The wrong battery doesn't make sense. We have cars come in all the time with aftermarket batteries and none have had any problems unless the battery has failed (which any battery can).  Get a second opinion for the cause of your problem.  They may just be trying to upsell extra parts to you.  As for what else may cause it, I couldn't really tell you without fault tracing the car.  It is an older model and it could be many different causes.

James