Got my new (to me) V70

[R111RWD]

Hi all

Got my V70 over the weekend, absolutely thrilled with it. I had forgotten how comfortable they are (this is a 3rd gen one, my last was 2nd). 149,000 miles and one owner from new with a load of service history. Just needs a damn good detail.

Only thing that needs sorting is its coming up with “alarm system service required” will I need the code read to check this out, or is it going to be the alarm siren? (I’ve been googling lol)

I’m so pleased to finally be a Volvo owner again!

[Kev0607]

It could be the alarm siren unit itself, or it could be just the battery inside the unit.

Here's a simple siren test:

1. Get in the car & open the driver's window fully
2. Close the door & lock the car with the key, but leave the window open
3. Put your hand through the open window & open the door with the handle inside, like you'd do if you were sat inside the car trying to get out (Don't use the key to unlock it though!). The alarm should take about 10 seconds or so to go off & you should be able to hear it if the siren is working properly.

On another note, you say the car has a lot of service history. Have the timing belt, auxiliary belts (One for the air conditioning & the other is for your alternator etc) & the aux belt tensioner been replaced? If you have no record of them being changed, then I'd recommend getting them all replaced at some point using genuine Volvo parts. If any of them parts fail, it could cause serious engine damage & cost you a fortune in repairs. Have a look at your paperwork...

[Tatsfield]

I had this and it turned out to be a dud siren which was replaced and all has been well ever since. It seems that the siren units are not as reliable as you would expect from Volvo. Perhaps checking out the system with VIDA/DiCE might get you a closer diagnosis. They're cheap as chips on ebay and no one should own an ageing car these days without the means to read the fault logs and see what's wrong with it rather than ask complete strangers to guess.

[R111RWD]

Originally Posted by Kev0607

It could be the alarm siren unit itself, or it could be just the battery inside the unit.

Here's a simple siren test:

1. Get in the car & open the driver's window fully
2. Close the door & lock the car with the key, but leave the window open
3. Put your hand through the open window & open the door with the handle inside, like you'd do if you were sat inside the car trying to get out (Don't use the key to unlock it though!). The alarm should take about 10 seconds or so to go off & you should be able to hear it if the siren is working properly.

On another note, you say the car has a lot of service history. Have the timing belt, auxiliary belts (One for the air conditioning & the other is for your alternator etc) & the aux belt tensioner been replaced? If you have no record of them being changed, then I'd recommend getting them all replaced at some point using genuine Volvo parts. If any of them parts fail, it could cause serious engine damage & cost you a fortune in repairs. Have a look at your paperwork...

Thanks for that, I’ll give that a try.

Luckily all that has been done. With the invoices to show too. I did some swotting up on this forum before I went and looked for one haha. Just this pesky alarm service I need to get sorted. Thanks for your help.

[R111RWD]

Originally Posted by Tatsfield

I had this and it turned out to be a dud siren which was replaced and all has been well ever since. It seems that the siren units are not as reliable as you would expect from Volvo. Perhaps checking out the system with VIDA/DiCE might get you a closer diagnosis. They're cheap as chips on ebay and no one should own an ageing car these days without the means to read the fault logs and see what's wrong with it rather than ask complete strangers to guess.

I should invest in one I think then. Is there one you’d recommend?

[Tatsfield]

Unfortunately I just don't know which ones are any better than any others on ebay but there is a forum member, Cheshire5, who sells them and seems to have quality items. https://www.volvoforums.org.uk/showthread.php?t=253191

[Kev0607]

Originally Posted by R111RWD

Thanks for that, I’ll give that a try.

Luckily all that has been done. With the invoices to show too. I did some swotting up on this forum before I went and looked for one haha. Just this pesky alarm service I need to get sorted. Thanks for your help.

That's great. By those parts being replaced, it saves you or a garage the job & the expense of it too! Good luck fixing the alarm.