How-to: Removing door handles / fixing keyless entry handles

[Ixion]

Hi guys

I'm unable to post this in the how-to section, however I thought this may be of use as many have posted how to remove the handles on the X60 range or to fix keyless entry.

My reason for removal was for all doors except one, the keyless entry had stopped working (unable to lock or unlock via the door handle). This is a common problem and Volvo dealers simply replace the handle. However the problem in the majority of cases is simply corrosion build-up on the electrical contacts between the handle and the wiring of the car. Therefore I thought I'd have a go!

What you'll need:
- a long T25 torx screwdriver
- white vinegar or contact cleaner

The first step is to un-do a torx screw (T25) located in the shut of the door. On the front doors it's located behind a rubber grommit level with the handle, on the rear if you peel back the door seal inline with the handle you'll see the small hole. Here's an image of the front door location:



Once you've located the screw with the screwdriver, hold out the handle (with the door open) and turn anti-clockwise for four turns. The handle part (wher you pull) will now remain locked in the open position. You'll now notice you're able to remove the lock part, where the lock barrel is located on the front doors or a blanking plastic on the rear.

For the rear doors simply remove the blanking plastic by pulling it out (the screw hold it into position). For the front doors, the backing plastic guide (as shown) will prevent you from removing it (not a major problem).



To remove the handle part, push the platic rail that is attaching the handle to the car, towards the small lock/blank piece you've removed (in the picture, push towards the back of the car). The rail is now released from the mechanisan and the handle can pivot out.

Holding the handle, begin pivoting the handle out of the door body. Again pull to the back of the car until it moves no further and then begin pivoting outwards. The handle can only be removed one way so don't worry too much, just take it steady.



Once removed, tie something around the wires to prevent the cable from going into the door (just in-case). Un-clip the two connections.

Simply clean both connections with a litle white vinegar (a mild acid) or contact cleaner to remove any surface corrosion, allowing to dry.




To re-assemble, simply reverse the process above. One thing I forgot is to remember doing so was to clip the handle rail back into the door (towards the front of the car).

Doing the above fixed all three of my door handles! Amazing what 1 hour can save you!

Hope it helps.

[NickRno77]

Hi there, I followed your instructions on how to fix keyless door handles, unfortunately I still have the problem with drivers side doors which wouldn’t work keylessly. I sprayed with contact cleaner and removed corrosion on one of the pins.

Any ideas why cleaning the pins hasn’t worked, I also was wondering if you think I could use the handles for the doors that do work on the drivers side door?

Thanks for posting instructions btw.

Nick

[Ixion]

Hi Nick

Did you manage to get any of them working as a result of cleaning them?

For me I just used white vinegar and a cotton bud to push down into the contacts on the handle. There was more corrosion in the handle than in the connector that stays in the door. Just left them to air dry for an hour or so.

As for swapping the handles, I'm not sure if they're programmed as to their position but I don't see why not?

[NickRno77]

Originally Posted by Ixion

Hi Nick

Did you manage to get any of them working as a result of cleaning them?

For me I just used white vinegar and a cotton bud to push down into the contacts on the handle. There was more corrosion in the handle than in the connector that stays in the door. Just left them to air dry for an hour or so.

As for swapping the handles, I'm not sure if they're programmed as to their position but I don't see why not?

These were the only two doors that are affected, must say left passenger side now and then fails. I didn't use cotton buds and reassembled after about 10 minutes. I'll get some cotton buds and try again.... BTW I get Battery Low Messages frequently, I've had the battery checked numerous times the mechanic said its fine? maybe its not pushing out enough AMPS to do the right hand side doors ??? doesn't make sense that hey.

P.S I couldn't get my head round how to get the handles off from instructions, everything made sense after watching this vid on youtube, https://youtu.be/26cSEA0GsA0

[SG1]

I’m after a bit of help. I’ve managed to get the door handles off my V60, but I can’t get them to go back on. Any tips how to get them on or is it back to the dealership on Monday?

Many thanks in advance. Stressed like mad

[Neovit]

Originally Posted by SG1

I’m after a bit of help. I’ve managed to get the door handles off my V60, but I can’t get them to go back on. Any tips how to get them on or is it back to the dealership on Monday?

Many thanks in advance. Stressed like mad

Hi, hope you got it assembled back by now?

I am having the same issue mentioned in this post - periodically keyless not working. I have tried to use connector cleaner, the problem came back after car wash.
I am wandering - does water goes into the connector or inside the handle itself where sensor is.
To be sure - I would disassemble handle. Has any one had experience how to disassemble handle on v60?

[Neovit]

Here is the YouTube video on how to reassemble front left handle on V60 and an attempt to fix a water leak into connector causing keyless entry issues:
https://youtu.be/lTBJg2DlL-o
Hope it helps.

[Anthrix]

To get keyless handles to work you will need multimeter to do some testing. Both rear handles are used as antennas also so if your rear handles have issue's front won't work.
To test antenna is in good condition you'll need to do a continuity test on the handle. Contacts 2 and 5 should have no resistance. Middle top and bottom contacts. if antenna is good so you'll just need to clean contacts on the connector. To get good contact.
The next part is to check your 1 and 6 on the connector you should get reading of around 12v.

Diagram

[NickRno77]

Originally Posted by Anthrix

To get keyless handles to work you will need Meeterto do some testing. Both rear handles are used as antennas also so if your rear handles have issue's front won't work.
To test antenna is in good condition you'll need to do a continuity test on the handle. Contacts 2 and 5 should have no resistance. Middle top and bottom contacts. if antenna is good so you'll just need to clean contacts on the connector. To get good contact.
The next part is to check your 1 and 6 on the connector you should get reading of around 12v.

Diagram

Right, I looked at the rear door handles once but may need a bit more attention, what/who is Meeterto?

[Anthrix]

Originally Posted by NickRno77

Right, I looked at the rear door handles once but may need a bit more attention, what/who is Meeterto?

Fixed it should be Multimeter

Also if you have access to Vida with dice very easy to see faults for keyless system.