440 Flat battery

Discussion in 'Volvo 440' started by Mark121739, Feb 29, 2004.

  1. Mark121739

    Mark121739 Guest

    Hi all
    I have a 94 440 and every morning
    i have a flat battery but i have no idea
    what is draining the battery,
    any suggestions would be helpful.

    (ps its a new battery)
    thanks Mark
     
    Mark121739, Feb 29, 2004
    #1
  2. Mark121739

    Ken Phillips Guest

    Mark,

    Have you or anyone else worked on ANY of the electrics prior to this
    happening?
    Was this problem the reason you got a new battery?
    Has a new radio or alarm just been installed?
    Post ignition electrical drains are easy to track down by attaching an
    ammeter with the ignition off, and selectively disconnecting stuff (by
    removing fuses), until the ammeter reading drops, it's also possible for
    faulty rectifiers in the alternator, or faulty central locking controls to
    cause this problem, automatic electric aerials, and small lamps such as
    boot/bonnet lamps can cause this as well, as can a faulty battery.
    Some bad news; if your new battery has discharged so many times, then you
    need another, because the plates will have sulphated up already, reducing
    it's capacity, find the problem, then replace the battery.

    Good luck, Ken 740 gl, moded to gle owner
     
    Ken Phillips, Feb 29, 2004
    #2
  3. Easy: put a current meter in series with the fuses and see if a
    current runs when the car is switched off. Measure all. Once you found
    the one, disconnect all devices until the currewnt stops.

    It id also possible that your battery is not charged correctly.
    Measure the battery voltage when the motor is on, it should be about
    13.8 to 14 Volts.

    Regards,

    Pieter Hoeben
     
    Pieter Hoeben, Feb 29, 2004
    #3
  4. Mark121739

    Mat Sui Guest

    Don't know where you are or where you got it from - but I'd be tempted to
    take it back:))
    Seriously tho - it could be something simple like you internal courtesy
    light is on when the doors are shut, or more complex like the others are
    suggesting. Check that all lights are off inc glove box, boot etc.
    Threaten it with the scrap yard - that works with my 440.
     
    Mat Sui, Feb 29, 2004
    #4
  5. Mark121739

    Guest Guest

    One of two things:

    Either you have a light stuck on- i.e. glove box, ashtray, or boot light. OR
    you have a failed diode in the alternator which is causing the discharge.

    A tip with the alternator is with the engine stone cold, place your hand on
    it- if it feels above ambient temp then its definately at fault.

    Tim..
     
    Guest, Feb 29, 2004
    #5
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