Remote locking key-fob not working V40 (2001)
 

Battery ran flat as I hadn't closed the glove box properly. Jumped it and all is fine except that the key fobs no longer work. Central locking works when locking with the key, but I don't think the alarm is set. I have two key fobs, like in the photo below. I've given them both new batteries. One was a bit temperamental when I used to use it (using out of range maybe screwed it up) Also the other had played up a couple of time recently, but worked ok most of the time.

I've tried some of the ignition on / off/ hold button tricks on here and nothing seems to work as yet. Tried disconnecting and reconnecting the battery. Should I try removing the alarm fuse and replacing, or any other fuses? I think I saw one thread say something about trying the electric window fuse...

I had tried to get it to work quite a few times before I realised the battery was drained so maybe this has disassociated it with the receiver?

Any help much appreciated.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7384/1...3a654d90_n.jpg
Untitled by busseynova, on Flickr

From what I've read if the keys have lost there remote locking ability then it's a dealer job to reprogramme and it's not cheap.

Am I correct in saying that if you still have a working fob then you can buy a generic programmable 433.92MHz fob and transfer the function to that?

So I contacted my local dealer and they said the fob isn't reprogramable which sounds like BS to me, but I can't get any further info out of them over the phone.

I should add that when I first opened the bonet, when the battery was dead, the alarm triggered and went off, but with very little volume, and shortly dies completely. Is the alarm powered by a seperate battery and could it be that this has run flat and can't recharge?

Apparently the dealer needs a code that comes with a new fob to program it to the car.

With regards to alarm battery, yes, there is an internal battery in the alarm siren. It is a 7.2V 140mAh 6/V150H battery with a connector.

http://www.volvoforums.org.uk/attach...1&d=1391262144

http://www.volvoforums.org.uk/attach...1&d=1391262144

Meaning they can't reprogramme an old fob, only new ones? This thread seem to suggest otherwise: http://www.volvoforums.org.uk/showthread.php?t=66798


I've now checked all the fuses, they all appear fine, there are 3 in a yellow shroud in the engine bay fuse box that I couldn't get out (presumambly they're locked in to prevent messing with the alarm system in the first place) but they appear to be fine too from what I can see.

Since talking to a local specialist, I'm working under the assumption that the battery in the alarm just powers the actual siren, rather than the remote sensor. Does it recharge off the main battery do you know?

Don't quote me for this, but as far as I know, 2nd hand fobs from Phase 1 cars can be reprogrammed. Not Phase 2 ones.

The battery in the siren module is rechargeable and it has nothing to do with the fobs. However if the siren (or siren battery) has failed then that will mess up the arming of the alarm when locking the car with the fob. The lock alarm receiving unit has no battery and is getting it's power from the main car battery

I'm thinking this is what's happened. Do you think replacing the reciever unit (the computer rather than the actual infa red reciever) should sort this out? There's one on ebay for £25 and I reckon I can do the job, although I'll try and get one with 2 fobs. http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2513765600...84.m1438.l2649

What I meant, is that even if your fob is perfectly fine, the car will not lock because there is a fault in the alarm system. So that fob and receiver should be your last call.

Have you checked if the bonnet switch is clear of dirt and gunk. If the bonnet switch is fine, then the alarm siren would be my second guess and then finally the fob.

Just to clarify something. Even if you disconnect the main car battery and leave the car like that for a month, the fob or receiver unit WILL NOT lose their settings. A dead fob battery is a different story

I am only five years late to comment on this :omg_smile:

But out of curiosity, have you managed to sort this out?

I have the same car V4 T4 2001, used the fob today as always jumped in the car with the family and spend the day in London, when I finished I drove back to Coventry, parked the car, tried to use the fob to lock as always but it was total silence!! nothing at all! I used the key to lock it but the alarm is not armed! the fob itself is working fine and the battery is brand new.

I wonder if you guys managed to find a way out of this other than re-programming a new fob or buying a new one from the dealer.

Thanks much