V70 Fob locking problem

[2001V70]

Hi Everyone. Problem with my 2001 V70:
Key fob will not actuate the central locking to lock the car (not a click or anything) - however unlocking works perfectly!

To lock the car I have to go through the following procedure:

• use the door lock button on one of the front door interior controls while inside (which locks all the doors);
• then I exit the car (which unlocks only the door I use to exit);
• then I can lock that last door manually using the key.

Same with both fobs so not the fob(s).

I have a fairly new car battery but my understanding is that it takes more juice to unlock rather than lock the car, so low power probably not the problem.

My tame Volvo mechanic is fully booked for weeks ahead, so any ideas meantime would be much appreciated.

[VOLVOBOY]

You should be able to lock the driver door using the key and that should drive all the other locks as well . Is this happening ?
If so , go and try the tailgate to see if it`s locked .
There are separate relays for locking /unlocking /front/rear/ lock/deadlock so it will be worth checking those.

[SnineT]

Look up the key re-programming method for your model, if it's applicable it should be something simply like insert key to position 2 and hold button x y z or a series of presses, however if you have more than one key and both are doing the same thing it's probably something else but no harm in trying to prog both keys anyway.

[Joe Harding]

If you are handy with a soldering iron open the fob. Chances are one of the surface mounted pushbutton switches has come adrift. Either that or the button has failed. There are others on the same fob you can substitute - I've never used the yellow button so you could remove that and use it instead.

[2001V70]

Thanks all for your messages.

The problem was there throughout the day until this evening when it fixed itself! Before it did so, as I was driving there was the sound of a relay or motor or something similar actuating from the rear (tailgate/loading bay area) and I suspect that is not a coincidence.

VOLVOBOY: Yes locking the driver door with the key did drive all the other locks, including the tailgate. This didn't set the alarm though, which I suppose is to be expected. I suspect you are on the right line when you suggest locking system relays so I will try replacing these if it happens again.

[barrybritcher]

rubber seal trapped in the boot