Replacing the battery

1. Switch off the ignition.

2. Wait at least 5 minutes after switching off the ignition before disconnecting the battery so that all information in the vehicle's electrical system can be stored in the control modules.


3. Remove the retaining bracket and unscrew the cover over the battery. Wait at least 5 minutes after switching off the ignition before disconnecting the battery so that all information in the vehicle's electrical system can be stored in the control modules.


4. Disconnect the negative (ground) cable first. Disconnect the positive cable and pull the ventilation hose (see next page) from the battery.

5. Lift out the old battery and put a new battery into place.

6. Connect the positive cable first.

7. Connect the negative (ground) cable.

8. Be sure that the ventilation hose (see below) is securely connected to the battery and that the other end of the hose is properly routed through the ventilation opening in the floor of the battery compartment.



9. Reinstall the cover and retaining bracket and screw it securely in place.

Ventilation hose

WARNING!

- Never expose the battery to open flame or electric spark.

- Do not smoke near the battery.

- Battery fluid contains sulfuric acid. Do not allow battery fluid to contact eyes, skin, fabrics or painted surfaces. If contact occurs, flush the affected area immediately with water. Obtain medical help immediately if eyes are affected.

Jumping (Boosting) the Car with Dead Battery

Where is the Battery?

The Battery is mounted in the very rear of the vehicle where the trunk would normally be. Except the XC90 is a hatchback and has not trunk -- so you begin by opening the rear hatch door to access the battery. But the battery is not visible to you.
After opening the rear hatch access door look down immediately to the floor of the rear compartment. There you'll see a grab handle in the middle that you can pull upwards and away from you towards the front of the vehicle.

There is a string loop on the floor in the middle that you can pull up on to expose the battery compartment. If you pull and cannot lift the floor with the loop then continue to push the upper piece away from you until the floor lifts and you can expose the compartment.

Inside the (side to side) center of the compartment but at the very rearmost part of the compartment you'll see the battery cover secured by two bolts and a nut. You can undo two of those bolts with several kinds of wrench but the nut you'll probably need a socket drive to undo it. (Volvo clearly does not want anyone to have easy access to the battery). Why not just weld the compartment shut Volvo?

Also beware there are two nice little wrenches provided with the tire changing kit that, at a glance, appear to be the size needed to access the battery sitting right beside them. Even though they are stored right beside the battery in the same compartment as the battery. THEY DON'T FIT the BATTERY COVER.

N.B. you can jump start this vehicle from the engine bay - where a positive feed (marked in red) is located by the front fuse board.

Battery Maintenance

The battery in your vehicle is located under the floor of the cargo compartment.

Driving habits and conditions, climate, the number of starts, etc. all affect the service life and function of the battery. In order for your battery to perform satisfactorily, keep the following in mind:

Check the fluid level in each cell in the battery every 24 months or every 15,000* miles (24,000 km), whichever is sooner. The fluid should be at the level shown in the illustration above (A)**.

Use a screw driver to open the caps and a flashlight to inspect the level.

If necessary, add distilled water. The level should never be above the indicator (A**).

The fluid level should be checked if the battery has been recharged.

After inspection, be sure the cap over each battery cell is securely in place.

Check that the battery cables are correctly connected and properly tightened. Route ventilation hose through opening in floor

Never disconnect the battery when the engine is running, for example when changing the battery.

The battery should be disconnected from the vehicle when a battery charger is used directly on the battery.

However, if the battery is being charged via the connecting points in the engine compartment the battery must be connected.

* More frequently in warm climates.
** The level indicator inside the battery could be designed in various ways. See illustration.

How to Reset Service Light

How to reset the service reminder indicator (SRI), model years 2002-2006

• The service reminder indicator (SRI) informs the driver that it is time for the car to be serviced according to the Volvo suggested maintenance schedule
• The text message in the lower left info screen is displayed for 120s each time the ignition is switched on

Guide to reset the service reminder indicator (SRI):

1. Put key in ignition
2. Turn key to ignition position I
3. Press and hold in the reset button for the trip odometer
4. Turn the key to ignition position II
• Note: Turn the key within 2 seconds
5. Hold the reset button for the trip meter until the value has been reset
• 2003 model only Note: A general yellow lamp will illuminate when the reset button must be released
6. Release the trip reset button within 4 seconds.
• Note: There will be an audible signal when resetting has succeeded
7. If the trip meter is already reset it should be held in for a minimum of 10 seconds and a maximum of 14 seconds
• Note:  If the reset button for the trip odometer is not released within 4 seconds, the service reminder indicator (SRI) will not reset