XC70: Electrical Key fob woes

[Bumble999]

I've just picked up an XC70 D5 2010 Auto with 158,000 miles and it has a main dealer fsh.
There was a know issue with the key fobs and central locking when I bought the car, so I got it at a reasonable price.
However I really need the key fobs to operate the central locking.
I've tried new batteries but no joy 🤷*♂️.
I know the locks work OK because it auto locks when driving and locks with the door button and key.
Any suggestions welcome before I go to a garage and part with some pennies.

[ferg55]

They may have both been deactivated for some reason - it's standard procedure do deactivate a key if it were lost or stolen, but both would be odd. One reason would be if the car itself was stolen at one point, both keys would have been deactivated to hinder the cars use. Did you run a data check prior to buying it?

Only Volvo can help with re-activation, if it's even possible.

[apersson850]

If the car is stolen, you can't deactivate the keys, since you need access to the car to do that.

Besides, if a key is deactivated, you can't start the car either.
Since it seems to be a common issue for all keys, I'd start investigating the remote's receiver unit in the car.

[Bumble999]

On further investigation today, it seems as though the keys are still talking to the car. However it appears my problem is that the car still thinks a key is in the ignition, meaning it won't allow me to lock the "keys" in the car.
A mate and I worked this out after noticing the steering lock wasn't on and the stereo still had power to it.
Popping the starter unit out of the dash took some time but once out a small sq piece of plastic fell out, hey presto the steering lock activated and it now locks with the fob.
Ill cancel the main dealer appointment 👍

[FreshAir]

That's great news.