Hi All,
I've got a 1997 Volvo 850 that has an intermittant problem starting. Every week or two I go out to start it and the battery is dead. Once I jump it and let it run for an hour everything is fine. But I can't figure out why it's draining. Can anyone offer some suggestions where to check?

I initially changed the battery since it was 5 years old, but it still happens. Then I thought of unplugging my Sirius radio. Still happens.

My mechanic has it now and is trying to determine where the drain is coming from, but no luck so far. They thought they had tracked it down to the locking system, but later ruled that out.

Has anyone else seen this behavior?

Thanks,
Lance

A 5 year old battery would be the first thing I suspect.

However, if you are convinced the battery is O.K. then disconnect one of the battery cables - it doesn't really matter if it is the positive or negative lead - then connect an ammeter from the battery pole and the disconnected lead (make sure the polarity of the measuring device is correct).

This will give you some idea of what rogue amperage is being drained from the battery.

Have you tried looking at things like boot lights, glove box lights etc, because these items will soon drain a battery if they do not switch off when the glove box or boot is closed?

Good luck!

P.S. Be very, very, careful when you jump start a vehicle with as much electronic equipment on board as these Volvos. Absolute disaster can occur in an instant if you happen to draw an arc or put the jumper leads on back to front.

DING! DING!
Aaaaaaaaaaand the WINNER is... VOLGRRRRRRRRR...

But back to the question, the drain, especially if the car is left for a week.