Opinion needed on Remote control issues

[KouryuuLV]

After spending the best half of the last month trying to find any similar issues that might be already described here or other Volvo Enthusiasts web pages. I came to the conclusions that it's about time to register and ask the opinion of the experts here.

This spring my Remote control started acting up - it's track record got spotty - it worked for a while and then did not, then 15 min later it worked just fine. Also I noticed that the radio is blinking as if a child is playing with the light switch even with no key in the car. Manual central locking works fine with the button in the door as does it when you put the key in your car and lock it manually.

In short:

• Remote locking does not work
• Lights did not dim in the car correctly
• Radio screen blinking when the car is not on, but the radio has been left on
• door button lights stay on
• Engine was making some strange noise, but that might be unrelated as it has only hapened once

So am am not sure where the problem lies only the alarm module? the ECM or maybe somewhere else?

Best materion on this that i have ever seen was in this forun the write up from gatos here

Any ideas with part of the system is giving me so much trouble?

[gatos]

What year is the car? Do you have the separate fob and key, or the all in one key and fob?

I doubt it has anything to do with the ECU. Either an issue with the lock alarm module under the stereo, or most likely a wiring issue somewhere.

[KouryuuLV]

Originally Posted by gatos

What year is the car? Do you have the separate fob and key, or the all in one key and fob?

Sorry forgot to mention that.

VIN: YV1VW70824F055838 for reference.

It's a late 2003 model and I have the fob combined with the key.

Wiring issue you mean in the loom or more like grounding?

[gatos]

Oh, in that case, it is a bit harder. If by any chance there was a fault with the lock alarm control unit and you had the earlier separate fob/key, then it would be easier to just replace it the module and the fobs from the same car.

However, from experience, the lock alarm module either works, or doesnt work at all. Because you mentioned the problem with the radio lighting up, i would suspect either a grounding problem, or corroded wiring in the main loom, either under the radiator, or the driver's wing.

I am sorry I cannot be more specific, but it's not one of those easy things to figure out.

If you have access to a donor car, you can remove the lock alarm module and take the fob. Plug it in your car and try locking unlcking with it's fob. THe lock alarm uni is independent of the lockset.

[KouryuuLV]

Just got a reply from a friend with a v40 that i can borrow his module and keys for a test. Will post back here when i know more.

Thank you for the help.

[gatos]

What year is his car? As long as it is a phase 2 from mid 2000 onwards, it will be fine. If however it is from a phase 1 car, then the lock alarm module is different and will not plug in your car

[KouryuuLV]

Originally Posted by gatos

What year is his car? As long as it is a phase 2 from mid 2000 onwards, it will be fine. If however it is from a phase 1 car, then the lock alarm module is different and will not plug in your car

it's a 2004 Limited edition V40 first registration is just 5 months apart. I dont think it should be a issue for a simple verification only problem is scheduling a time slot where we can do this