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Lifespan of battery in the new S40 2.4i


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#1
toffee

Posted 24 March 2008 - 06:23 PM

toffee

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This afternoon, FA managed to 'surprise' me when I sent my 2005 S40 2.4i
for 60,000km service.

They told me that my car battery needs replacement. I told them that I am
indeed surprised because I just changed my original 'non maintenance-
free' battery to that of maintenance free last February 2007. This means
that it was only 13 months before it is due for replacement.

My issue on the matter remains 3 fold:

1. The maintenance free battery has a 12 month warranty. Its
rather 'convenient that it needs replacement one month after the warranty
ends.

2. The battery I changed last year costs me RM360. But now is a
staggering RM551. The only saving grace is FA managed to give me a 25%
discount for the battery. My issue here is not so much on the FA side but
Volvo Malaysia. Volvo parts are not noted for price economy, but
certainly a 50% increase in price over a 12-13 month period shows Volvo
is not interested in making the ownership experience pleasant.

3. This is really pissed me off. Normally, a maintenance free battery
should last longer than that of a normal one. A normal one on average
lasts 12 to 18 months. I have owned 3 BMWs before which on average I held
for 6-7 years and I have NEVER replace my maintenance free batteries
before for all the 3 cars ! Based on this fact, I suspect Volvo is
supplying us sub-quality battery, which I thought is not befitting of a
premium brand.

So far my two cents worth. I hope my experience is an exception. Anyone
care to share their experience on this matter?

#2
kilogram

Posted 24 March 2008 - 10:55 PM

kilogram

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Toffee..are you sure you can use a maintenance free battery for 6-7
years??

#3
toffee

Posted 24 March 2008 - 11:42 PM

toffee

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I am not sure about Volvo, but for the E36 and E46 BMWs - I have never
changed my battery before. E90 yet to be proven

#4
razibar

Posted 25 March 2008 - 06:18 PM

razibar

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Mine lasted about 3 years. Dont trust the light indicator, it is supposed
to tell you the health of your MF battery but unfortunately It died on
me. Luckily volvo-on-call to the rescue. From now on, i would change the
battery after 2 years or be prepared to suffer the consequence.

Resistance is futile...

#5
airliner72

Posted 25 March 2008 - 09:04 PM

airliner72

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Hi Toffee,

My 1st battery lasted 2 years before going flat. I changed to new
battery at Hock Cheong, which is an authorized tyre & battery workshop
for FA in Penang. The price was RM250 during Apr 2007.

Call it bad luck, the new battery went flat within 2 weeks. It was then
replaced under warranty by Hock Cheong.

You might want to get your existing battery tested on voltage by a tyre
workshop, just to get 2nd opinion. Secondly, changing it outside is
definitely cheaper. I don't think warranty is a concern here.

rgds, airliner


#6
sengthee

Posted 26 March 2008 - 04:31 PM

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My first battery went dead after 1.5 years, I think.

#7
glock19

Posted 30 March 2008 - 09:14 AM

glock19

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The S40-P11 has a very hot engine bay. Even with the cooling duct over
the battery, it won't help during traffic crawls. Heat is one of the main
cause for component (battery) failures. This is why the beemers don't
need to change that often.

#8
sengthee

Posted 29 August 2008 - 10:09 AM

sengthee

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My battery was replaced by volvo on call last august for 401.00.
Yesterday it died on me again and this time volvo on call charged me 590++

The first battery lasted for 1.5 years, the second one barely one year.[:
(]

#9
andrewlim8

Posted 29 August 2008 - 11:25 AM

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sengthee,

sori to hear that. didnt u ask for a discount from volvo?

did u encounter any symntoms before it died?

#10
sengthee

Posted 29 August 2008 - 02:53 PM

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hi andrew,

I was told that it is the standard price. Both times there was no signs
at all of a weak battery. One minute you stop the car and the next minute
you cannot start it.

Called FA to complain about the short lifespan of the battery but was
told that it is normal. I was told that it normally lasts between 1 year
to 1.5 years.