V70 central locking seizure

VolvoSue · Mar 22nd, 2023, 08:50

Hi, I hope someone can help me with this situation.
I have a v70 estate 1998. My problem began when my key would not go into the lock to open my car. (The remote fob no longer works and I’ve tried new batteries). When I looked into the key hole, I could see a tiny spring and some wire, the spring came out. I managed to use the ‘string method’ and successfully got the lock button up - yet STILL the door wouldn’t open. I even did the string method and got the lock up in the passenger side door - still no luck as that wouldn’t open either.
I know that these cars come with a separate boot key however I’ve never had that since I bought the car last summer. So my predicament is that I cannot get into the car at all 😩 I have called three locksmith’s who have all said they won’t touch it as apparently Volvos are “too hard to get into” 🤷*♀️ I don’t want to force the electric window down as that would no doubt damage the mechanism and I’m starting to fear that if I eventually find a locksmith who’s prepared to attempt to get in then it will cost me a small fortune.
Does anyone have any ideas on how to open a Volvo who’s central locking appears to have completely seized? Any help would be greatly appreciated - I’m now off to see if I can get a wire coat hanger in if I can wedge the door slightly … 😩

Luxobarge · Mar 22nd, 2023, 09:27

Quote:

Originally Posted by VolvoSue

I know that these cars come with a separate boot key however I’ve never had that since I bought the car last summer.

Separate? Maybe, but on my 97 car it's the same key as the doors and ignition - I take it you've tried it?

richmac · Mar 22nd, 2023, 09:56

Morning Sue,

Don't waste your time with the lock itself; the deadlocks are on.

You have 2 options that I know of and have done:

1. As above, the ignition key also opens the boot on the 98 V70 so hopefully that's a really easy 'in'.

2. Prise back the upper left corner of the door/window frame as you look at it with something plastic. This gives enough of a gap to reach the knob by sliding a coat hangar or similar down the back edge of the door to pull the knob back and up.

Best of luck,

Rich.

Derek UK · Mar 22nd, 2023, 15:11

If your remote used to work it may be possible that it responds to a small repair. Pop it apart and check the small switches on the green PCB. With a magnifying glass look at the 4 small legs that are soldered to the board. The leg on the top left hand side may be the problem one. This is the one on the outside corner of the board as you look down on it. That leg takes the strain each time you press the unlock button. The solder can break and a quick and careful resolder with a small tipped soldering iron should mend it. Worked for me and has been reliable since with my 2000 P1 V70. You may then be able to unlock as normal. Good luck

SteveSarre · Mar 22nd, 2023, 16:57

If you have to break a window to get in as a last resort, do not break the rear quarter glass. That is the most difficult/expensive glass to replace.

Front windows glasses are not too bad.

Rear door window glass is the best option.

Hope that helps,
Steve

SteveSarre · Mar 22nd, 2023, 17:01

I am trying to remember.

Rather than (or as well as) pulling the lock button up (then testing the door handle),
isn't it more likely to succeed if you can tug on the internal chrome release lever?

Doing that on either the front or rear doors would let you in.

Not all tailgates have a keyhole in the tailgate.

Steve

volvo again · Mar 22nd, 2023, 17:09

Think it has deadlocks which can't be opened even from inside.

Lancee · Mar 22nd, 2023, 18:19

Quote:

Originally Posted by volvo again

Think it has deadlocks which can't be opened even from inside.

Unfortunately I think this may well be the case, perseverance with the remote key fob repair should probably be the initial focus ?

Perhaps an accidentally damaged windscreen (or other glass) may be covered by your car insurance ????

DaveNP · Mar 22nd, 2023, 18:50

I only have the service key for my 98 V70, it does the central locking and ignition but doesn't work on the glovebox, it does however unlock the tailgate (I believe on the S70 the service key wouldn't open the boot). Unfortunately unlocking the tailgate does not operate the central locking so the deadlocks would still be on the doors.

Bob Meadows · Mar 22nd, 2023, 19:18

If you still suspect the key fob may be at fault this link will take you to a contact on ebay that do repairs:~

Used them some years back and they are fine to date.
https://www.volvoforums.org.uk/showt...+remote+repair

If two don't work it is unlikely to be fob?
Good Luck.
Bob.

Mar 22nd, 2023, 08:50	#1
VolvoSue New Member Last Online: Mar 27th, 2023 01:28 Join Date: Mar 2023 Location: Gateshead	V70 central locking seizure Hi, I hope someone can help me with this situation. I have a v70 estate 1998. My problem began when my key would not go into the lock to open my car. (The remote fob no longer works and I’ve tried new batteries). When I looked into the key hole, I could see a tiny spring and some wire, the spring came out. I managed to use the ‘string method’ and successfully got the lock button up - yet STILL the door wouldn’t open. I even did the string method and got the lock up in the passenger side door - still no luck as that wouldn’t open either. I know that these cars come with a separate boot key however I’ve never had that since I bought the car last summer. So my predicament is that I cannot get into the car at all 😩 I have called three locksmith’s who have all said they won’t touch it as apparently Volvos are “too hard to get into” 🤷*♀️ I don’t want to force the electric window down as that would no doubt damage the mechanism and I’m starting to fear that if I eventually find a locksmith who’s prepared to attempt to get in then it will cost me a small fortune. Does anyone have any ideas on how to open a Volvo who’s central locking appears to have completely seized? Any help would be greatly appreciated - I’m now off to see if I can get a wire coat hanger in if I can wedge the door slightly … 😩

Mar 22nd, 2023, 16:57	#5
SteveSarre Premier Member Last Online: Yesterday 22:00 Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: London/West Country	If you have to break a window to get in as a last resort, do not break the rear quarter glass. That is the most difficult/expensive glass to replace. Front windows glasses are not too bad. Rear door window glass is the best option. Hope that helps, Steve __________________ V70 2.5 Turbo AWD Man. 1999 Red V70 2.5 10V Auto 1998 Green C70 T 20V Auto Conv. 2001 Blue, C70 T5 Auto Conv. 2000 Blue V70 2.5 Turbo AWD Auto 1998 Green, V70 2.5 10V Auto BiFuel 1999 Red (scrapped) V70 20v Auto 1999 Green (scrapped)

Mar 22nd, 2023, 17:01	#6
SteveSarre Premier Member Last Online: Yesterday 22:00 Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: London/West Country	I am trying to remember. Rather than (or as well as) pulling the lock button up (then testing the door handle), isn't it more likely to succeed if you can tug on the internal chrome release lever? Doing that on either the front or rear doors would let you in. Not all tailgates have a keyhole in the tailgate. Steve __________________ V70 2.5 Turbo AWD Man. 1999 Red V70 2.5 10V Auto 1998 Green C70 T 20V Auto Conv. 2001 Blue, C70 T5 Auto Conv. 2000 Blue V70 2.5 Turbo AWD Auto 1998 Green, V70 2.5 10V Auto BiFuel 1999 Red (scrapped) V70 20v Auto 1999 Green (scrapped)

Mar 22nd, 2023, 17:09	#7
volvo again Master Member Last Online: May 21st, 2024 17:31 Join Date: Jun 2018 Location: Presteigne, mid Wales	Think it has deadlocks which can't be opened even from inside. __________________ 1998 V70 2.5 Auto & Supercharged Mercedes C Class...

Mar 22nd, 2023, 18:50	#9
DaveNP Non VOC Member Last Online: Yesterday 18:36 Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Milton Keynes	I only have the service key for my 98 V70, it does the central locking and ignition but doesn't work on the glovebox, it does however unlock the tailgate (I believe on the S70 the service key wouldn't open the boot). Unfortunately unlocking the tailgate does not operate the central locking so the deadlocks would still be on the doors. __________________ David V70 2.5 10v Torslanda Manual 98 Sreg

Mar 22nd, 2023, 09:56	#3
richmac Member Last Online: May 20th, 2024 21:49 Join Date: Sep 2021 Location: Bath	Morning Sue, Don't waste your time with the lock itself; the deadlocks are on. You have 2 options that I know of and have done: 1. As above, the ignition key also opens the boot on the 98 V70 so hopefully that's a really easy 'in'. 2. Prise back the upper left corner of the door/window frame as you look at it with something plastic. This gives enough of a gap to reach the knob by sliding a coat hangar or similar down the back edge of the door to pull the knob back and up. Best of luck, Rich.

Mar 22nd, 2023, 15:11	#4
Derek UK VOC Member Last Online: May 21st, 2024 18:12 Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Chatham	If your remote used to work it may be possible that it responds to a small repair. Pop it apart and check the small switches on the green PCB. With a magnifying glass look at the 4 small legs that are soldered to the board. The leg on the top left hand side may be the problem one. This is the one on the outside corner of the board as you look down on it. That leg takes the strain each time you press the unlock button. The solder can break and a quick and careful resolder with a small tipped soldering iron should mend it. Worked for me and has been reliable since with my 2000 P1 V70. You may then be able to unlock as normal. Good luck

Mar 22nd, 2023, 19:18	#10
Bob Meadows Premier Member Last Online: Yesterday 19:40 Join Date: Sep 2017 Location: STANDISH LANCASHIRE	If you still suspect the key fob may be at fault this link will take you to a contact on ebay that do repairs:~ Used them some years back and they are fine to date. https://www.volvoforums.org.uk/showt...+remote+repair If two don't work it is unlikely to be fob? Good Luck. Bob.

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