Radio code - do I need one?

[pphilpot]

Hi all – I've just bought a 53 plate S60 D5 SE, and it needs a new battery. I have one on order, to be delivered tomorrow, but there is no sign of a radio code. I just phoned Volvo and they said that there is no code on record on their QW90 system, and that it can be a royal pain to get a code from Volvo.

Question: I've seen a few mentions here that some cars don't require a radio code as the radio is coded to the car (maybe this is what the dealer was referring to being a pain to get hold of).

I asked if there was a tip for changing the battery and keeping the radio slightly powered, and this is what they said (this is a main dealer): get a small 9V battery and connect it to the car battery leads (carefully) using crocodile clips before disconnecting the old battery, keep in place until the new battery is connected, and remove the 9V battery. He assured me that it wouldn't fry anything.

Nervous about that though.

Cheers

Paul

[outnumbered]

there is no radio code as in putting one in if you disconect the battery.the radios are just coded for that car.
Mike

[pphilpot]

Thanks Mike – I'm too used to my 'classic' S40.

[Missing Lincs]

I would suggest you don't try the 9 volt battery, I think this could cause problems with modules not knowing whether they are powered or not.

I'd suggest you simply follow the procedure laid down by Volvo for changing the battery.

Turn the ignition off and wait, 15 minutes ideally. This makes sure that all the car's electronic controllers have shut down and saved data.

Remove the battery leads, negative first.

When re-connecting, make sure no one is in the car, put the key in the ignition and turn to position II. Connect the new battery, positive lead first.

When you connect the negative lead it will spark, the ignition is on so current will flow. Be ready for this, put the lead on as fast as you can and hold in place while you tighten the connector. What you don't want to do is make the connection for a very short time and then disconnect again if you pull the lead away.

Best of luck with the battery swap - seriously, you'll be fine.

[500tie]

Why do you have to put the ignition on when installing the new battery I've never done this on any other car I've had to change the battery on, are Volvos slightly different. Please forgive the question it's the first volvo I've every owned

[Missing Lincs]

It's in case there is a fault with the airbag system and one would go off when power was restored, very unlikely to happen. The alternative would be find out when you got in the car and turned the ignition on!

[pphilpot]

Thanks guys – the battery was delivered earlier, and fitted without the airbags blowing Oddly the previous owner had popped a 096 battery in a couple of years ago – clearly way too small! For my own peace of mind, I've popped a 017 in now.

And the radio didn't need a code as already mentioned. Why Volvo didn't tell me that, I don't know!

[sarahskinner]

Hi Hope you dont mind me jumping on this thread I have a Volvo S40 2011 plate and I am having a new car battery fitted today, I brought this privately so need to know if I need a radio code for it? the mechanic is coming today! any help or advice much appreciated Thanks Sarah

[stuart bowes]

the correct part of the forum for you would be https://www.volvoforums.org.uk/forumdisplay.php?f=58

but if it's the same as our types (possibly..) then no there's no code