Alarm Service Required (Intermittent)

[Guddler]

I'm getting a message "Alarm Service Required" on start up - does not happen every time, but being going on for a few weeks.

Can't see any reference to this in handbook

Is it something to worry about ?

If I just ignore will anything drastic happen ?

No evidence of any problems locking etc, other than the fuel filler lock mechanism has been disabled.

[stuart bowes]

Nothing will happen it's just the alarm won't sound

9 times out ten the battery in the unit has burst and leaked all over the circuit board, you might be able to cut it open and replace the battery but most likely not

You can get 2nd hand ones but it's hit and miss. I bought a new one but it was about 170 quid

If its intermittent though 1st check your rear boot side windows and those little tags at the top that detect window break, they can get a bit loose. If so pop it off and gentle tweak with pliers to the metal clasp will tighten it up. That caused that message for me once after I'd been messing around in the boot

[XC70Bob]

I would suggest if you intend to do a battery replacement do it now , the longer you leave it the more change the circuit board will be damaged.

When I did mine originally the battery have just started to leak and I was able to clean the PCB and save it.

I have since replaced the battery a second time some 5 years later just to be sure I don't have any problems.

[Roy V70 850]

Ive had the same message for the 3yrs I've owned the car. It goes away after a few minutes driving, or sometimes doesn't show at all. It just means that your alarm won't work.

It's not something I've had the luxury to spend time on and after all, I'm not too worried that anyone would want to steal an 18yr old volvo. Plus the little LED on the front dash shows that the alarm is active.

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2004 V70 D5 163bhp 165k

[Guddler]

Thanks to all for replies

By way of background I very seldom lock the car anyway, and I have no real concerns about it being nicked

My worry was it might self destruct or lock me out or immobilise in some way -

What I'm picking up from your replies is that if the fault is left undiagnosed/remedied nothing too drastic will happen

Like the disabled locking filler cap I can live without an alarm if it does not present a problem

BTW my youngest son was home at the weekend from London and having seen and driven the car for the first time now understands why his Old Man's latest vehicular acquistion is even older than his last - he liked the car very much, never even took the Jag out which he normally does !!

[XC70Bob]

If you plan to do nothing to fix the problem then I would remove the fuse feeding the alarm unit or under some fault conditions it can result in a constant battery drain.

[barrybritcher]

its about 180 quid and couple hours diy to swap the siren.

go through the drivers headlight and undo the top and bottom cage nuts (10mm)