C30 DRIVe system

[bordersman]

Hi forum,
I`ve just joined the VOC following a recent purchase of a `10 plate C30.

The DRIVe stop/start system only operates occasionally even though the switch on the console between the seats is turned on.

The manual came with the car but I cannot find any reference to the DRIVe system anywhere, I`ve also looked online without success.

I would appreciate any advice regarding the operation of the system.

Thanks in advance,
bordersman

[tomweston]

The S40 Drive can be found on line:
http://esd.volvocars.com/site/owners...EN_tp13122.pdf

Stop start does not work all the time, depends on many parameters. The car does not like short journeys, better suited to out of town driving.

There is lots of info in this forum on the drive variants.

Have fun with it.

[volvo for ever]

First thing to do is look at the top of gearbox use torch on drive there is additional linkage make sure the rod is connected to linkage if okay then fully charge your battery then once charged remove the battery monitoring sensor from the earth connection of battery for 20 seconds and refit then retest

Then update this report

Regards

[Rooster]

But don't charge the battery by putting the charger on battery across battery terminals,

Put positive "red" on battery and negative "black" onto a good earth on car or engine,

10 plate depending on mileage its probably getting ready for a new battery as any less than 72% charged S/S won't work and when the battery starts to degrade it struggles to keep above that,

I think stop/starts only a gimmick anyway, for fuel saved when engines not running is taken up by alternator drag putting extra charge in battery when it is running

[bordersman]

Thanks everyone,

I'm partially sighted so don`t drive the car and will have to get someone to check out the connections for me but it`s all useful information.

I tend to agree with Rooster about stop/start being something of a gimmick although I suppose it has its place if the car is used mainly for commuting in town/city. We cover a lot of motorway miles, it is probably of less use to us from the economy point of view, I was interested in why it doesn`t sem to be operating as expected purely from a curiosity perspective.

Thanks again everyone,
botfrtsman

[tomweston]

The alternator only charges the battery on overrun, there is no charging during normal driving unless the battery charge is low, then it will charge whilst driving.
If the Stop start is not working try leaving the ticking over for 30 mins or charge the battery with a charger making sure +'ve to battery post and -'ve to a body earth. The body earth is used because the car has 2 batteries, on under bonnet and one behind the front bumper (well the S40 do). If all else fails buy a new battery, they take some stick from the stop start but make sure you buy the correct battery for stop start, they are the special AGM type.

The stop start reduces the CO2 emissions and slightly improves the fuel economy.
If you read about the Drive system it is all about making small savings from many areas which is why it is cheap to tax and achieves good fuel economy. My S40 is doing 67 mpg at the moment.

The S40 is also lowered by 10mm from the standard S40 to reduce drag.

There is very little air flow into the engine bay it you look at the grill carefully.

It all adds up.