Hi all,
I have this Volvo in that has had a flat batery twice in the last couple of weeks. The car is owned by a pensioner couple who seem a bit unsure about what they are doing but I suspect it is having lots of short journeys. The first time I tested the battery which although it didn't fail was a bit suspect so it was replaced with a Varta 540A EN, which is the correct size according to a Platinum catalogue that I have although Varta say it should be 680A EN. The diode ripple looks ok to me and it is a genuine alternator that doesn't look very old. The current output is fine and increases with all consumers switched on but the volts will only go up to 13.9. I would have thought this was ok but wanted another opinion. I have also tested for a drain and although the main relay takes a few minutes to switch off (switched earth from the PCM), when it does the current draw is only 22ma. The headlights have been set in day running mode but I can't see that being much of a factor.
Any ideas would be much appreciated.
Regards,
Bryan