Autopapyrus · Volvo S60 (1st generation)
https://autopapyrus.com/guides/volvo/s60/battery-replacement/

Compiled automatically from service literature and owner experience. Specs are for the typical configuration — check them against your exact car before you start.

Volvo S60 (1st generation): Battery Replacement

On the first-generation S60, the battery is not under the hood. It is in the trunk, behind the right side trim panel. The job is not difficult, but you must follow the correct order for disconnecting the terminals and not forget the vent hose on the battery case. After replacement, the clock, radio presets and window settings may reset, and a radio with an anti-theft code will need its PIN entered.

Difficulty: Easy Time: 20-30 minutes Steps: 14

Part

№	Part	Alternatives
01	12 V battery, 60-72 Ah, European terminal layout (positive on the right), L3 / LB3 case typecold cranking amps no lower than the original	Varta, Bosch, Exide, Banner

Tools

10 mm and 13 mm sockets and wrenches (check the exact size of the mounting hardware on your car)
extension with ratchet
gloves
safety glasses
clean rags
terminal brush
terminal grease
and
if needed
an external 12 V power source to preserve the vehicle's electrical memory

There's a full repair manual for this car Every system, wiring diagrams and torque specs — not just this job. Haynes and 2 more. See manuals →

Step by step

14 steps

Park the car on level ground, turn off the engine, remove the key and close all the doors. If the radio has an anti-theft code, make sure you know it.
Open the trunk, remove the floor mat and take off the right side trim panel of the cargo area to get access to the battery. The panel is held by plastic clips and thumb screws.
Remove the protective plastic cover from the battery (if fitted). Find the vent hose connected to the battery case and carefully disconnect it.
Loosen the negative terminal nut (black cable) with a 10 mm wrench, pull the terminal off the post and move the cable aside so it cannot touch the post.
Then disconnect the positive terminal (red cable) in the same way, first flipping up the protective cap.
Unscrew the hold-down bar or bracket that secures the battery in the tray. Make a note of how it was positioned.
Lift out the old battery with both hands, keeping it upright so the electrolyte does not spill. It weighs about 15-20 kg (33-44 lb), so lift with a straight back.
Clean the battery tray and the area around it of dirt and corrosion. If needed, wipe it with a baking soda solution and let it dry. Clean the terminal clamps with a brush until they are bright.
Install the new battery in the same orientation, so the positive terminal is on the same side as on the old one. Connect the vent hose (it must have no kinks and must lead outside the body).
Install the hold-down bar. Tighten it moderately without excessive force: the battery should not move when you push it by hand, but the case must not be deformed.
Connect the positive terminal first, then the negative. Tighten the terminal nuts to approximately 5-8 N·m (4-6 lb-ft) (by feel: the terminal does not turn by hand and the plastic does not crack). Apply a thin layer of grease to the terminals and close the positive terminal cap.
Reinstall the protective cover, the side trim panel and the trunk floor mat.
Start the engine and let it run for a minute or two. Check the instrument cluster for warning lights (faults can appear after the power has been cut). Check the power windows (if needed, perform the window initialization: lower the glass fully and raise it fully while holding the switch), then set the clock and enter the radio code.
Measure the voltage at the terminals with the engine running: it should be about 13.8-14.5 V. If it is noticeably lower or higher, check the alternator and the voltage regulator.

Common mistakes and warnings

Do not throw the old battery in the trash
Take it to a recycling point, because it contains lead and acid
Do not let a wrench short the positive terminal to the body
Do not smoke or work with open flames near the battery, as it gives off explosive hydrogen
The vent hose must be connected, otherwise gases can get into the cabin
If errors remain after replacement or the electronics behave erratically, take the car to a repair shop for diagnostics