The Volvo XC90 is a pretty reliable and popular SUV in America. The biggest vehicle of the Swedish brand seems to be quite cool in terms of comfort and performance. But when it comes to maintenance, this is probably one of the worst vehicles you can have! Even changing a 12V battery in this car is complicated and will require some knowledge and tools.
Common problems with 12V batteries highlights
- Possible reasons:battery age, driving conditions, drains, long sitting, electrical problems
- Types affected:all types
- Average age:4-5 years
- Most commonissues:low voltage, no crank, battery light, glitchy electronics
- Can you drive?only if it starts
- DIY fix:possible
- How much to fix?$150 - $250
Where is the Volvo XC90 battery hidden?
So, pretty much all Volvo SUVs will have their batteries hidden in the rear part of the vehicle. You may open the hood and make sure that there is no battery there. To find the battery in the XC90, you will need to do the following:
- open the trunk of your car;
- lift the rear part of the carpet;
- you will see two straps fastened to the floor;
- move those fasteners and take the whole flooring panel off;
- you will see the battery right in front of you.
But this is not the end of your journey. While this may be enough to charge the battery with a special charger or booster, you may need to take the battery out to replace it with a new one. For this, you will need an 8-mm wrench (better socket wrench). Unscrew two bolts on the sides of the battery and then there is another bolt in the front part of the battery at the bottom.
After that, you can take off the metal cover that holds the battery in place and eventually get access to the battery. Lift the plastic cover - it's not fastened by any means, just lift it up. After that, you will need the wrench to unscrew the terminals.
ATTENTION: Always remove the negative terminal first and then install the positive terminal first when you are finished. Otherwise, you can cause short circuits and even fire in your vehicle!
After you've done everything, don't think you are done. There is another bolt on the right bottom side. It holds the metal plate that in turn holds the battery in place. You will need to unscrew this bolt just like you have already done with the other three fastenings.
Now you have full access to the battery and you can remove it. But the good news - you don't need to remove it every time you have problems with a battery. Let's find out why.
When do you actually need to remove the battery in the XC90?
The only reason why you will want to remove the battery in your Volvo SUV is to replace the faulty or old 12V battery. Otherwise, you may not even come close to the trunk floors and screws.
Open your hood and look at the far right corner (if you are standing in front of your vehicle). You will see battery posts that you can connect to and use it for jump-starting your Volvo. People say you may even try charging your 12V battery using these posts, but we would still recommend charging the battery in the trunk using directly battery terminals.
To jump-start the vehicle, you will only need to use the posts under the hood and avoid spending time digging in the trunk.
When should you replace the battery in your Volvo XC90?
It's always better to maintain your vehicle before it actually needs maintenance or repair. A low battery may cause problems with the start motor, wiring, and electronics. Even the ECU may suffer because of low voltage. So, better replace your battery before it's too late.
Usually, car batteries live about 5 years. But they will die earlier if you use your car only in the city with short rides. Also, batteries have a shorter lifespan when they are used in a cold climate. If this is your case, just check the battery voltage regularly and replace the 12V battery as soon as you notice at least some problems with the engine start.
Also, you may ask your dealer or repair shop to test the battery at every regular maintenance. They use special equipment that may test the battery under some loads and this helps them decide if the battery can go one more year. If your mechanic says the battery should be replaced, you better buy the new one right now.
About the authors
The CarAraC research team is composed of seasoned auto mechanics and automotive industry professionals, including individuals with advanced degrees and certifications in their field. Our team members boast prestigious credentials, reflecting their extensive knowledge and skills. These qualifications include: IMI: Institute of the Motor Industry, ASE-Certified Master Automobile Technicians; Coventry University, Graduate of MA in Automotive Journalism; Politecnico di Torino, Italy, MS Automotive Engineering; Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, Mechanical University in Skopje; TOC Automotive College; DHA Suffa University, Department of Mechanical Engineering
Add comment