Key fob

[DeeJay]

Have searched the forums but see nothing to cover what follows.

My neighbour has an 03 plate diesel V70 and her remote ceased working so she had the remote's battery changed but still no joy with unlocking the car. She can use the key to unlock/lock the car and use it to start with no problems. Now the "stranger than fiction" bit. The person who changed the battery deals with cars so should know what he's doing BUT one of "his mechanics" said that if the battery is out of the remote for longer than 10 seconds then it will not work again. Now I'm damn sure I couldn't change a battery in under 10 seconds so I think he's talking nonsense (and that's me being polite!). I've not yet had a chance to have a look myself and she hasn't got the second remote to hand but I'm seeking opinions from you lovely and knowledgeable people.

Any thoughts?

[Richard_TD]

There will be a procedure for re-synching the remote, probably in the manual but you should be able to find it online.

[DeeJay]

Thanks Richard, I've printed off a "reset of UEM" which I'll have a shot at later today (hopefully!). I still don't believe the bit about having to replace the remote battery within ten seconds!

[Thassos]

Might be a dumb Q but does she have a spare that you can try?

The 10s thing does not sound at all correct, as the coding in the key is remembered even if the battery is dead or not in the key, the battery is only needed to generate some RF power to transmit to the car (when you press its keys), most use 2032 or 2016 type round 3v lithium cells and you can easily check the voltage on these with a DVM (look for 3.0 to 3.2 volts, anything under 3v is probaby on the way out !) Always worth cleaning up the battery contacts with switch cleaner or some alcohol to ensure a good contact there..

[ASt85]

It is also worth checking to see if the "mechanic" has put the battery in the right way up.............it happens and that it does make edge contact!

[jasmith44]

Thassos,

"Might be a dumb Q but does she have a spare that you can try?"

"she hasn't got the second remote to hand but I'm seeking opinions from you lovely and knowledgeable people."

As said try turning the battery over and make sure it making good contact.

[Simon Jones]

If you really only had 10 seconds to change the battery, I'm sure Volvo would have thought to mention it in the manual, but they didn't:
http://new.volvocars.com/ownersdocs/...70_05.htm#pg77


Remote keyless entry system - replacing batteries
If the range of the transmitter is noticeably reduced, this indicates that the battery is weak and should be replaced.

To replace the battery:

•Remove the screw on the transmitter cover with a small screwdriver
•Remove the cover carefully pressing it rearward/upward
•Replace the battery with a new 3-volt, CR 2032 battery. The battery should be inserted with the minus side upward. Avoid touching the contact surfaces of the battery with your fingers.
•Reinstall the cover and tighten the screw to help protect the transmitter.
NOTE: The old battery should be disposed of properly at a recycling center or at your Volvo retailer.

To be honest, if it didn't work with the original battery & still doesn't work with the replacement, it probably is not the battery that is the problem.

[DeeJay]

Update.

Thanks for your responses and, to cut a long story short, a) said "mechanic" is sure to get his pahookie kicked all round the car park on Monday and b) having a new battery to hand I opened the remote to check the original replacement wasn't duff and "lo and behold" the battery was upside down! (ASt85 & jasmith44 thumbs up!). Put my new battery in (in the correct orientation!) nipped up the road to where the car was parked and was met with the satisfying sound of locks operating correctly.

I didn't believe the 10second thing but always worth checking. Thanks again all.

[ASt85]

Originally Posted by DeeJay

Update.

Thanks for your responses and, to cut a long story short, a) said "mechanic" is sure to get his pahookie kicked all round the car park on Monday and b) having a new battery to hand I opened the remote to check the original replacement wasn't duff and "lo and behold" the battery was upside down! (ASt85 & jasmith44 thumbs up!). Put my new battery in (in the correct orientation!) nipped up the road to where the car was parked and was met with the satisfying sound of locks operating correctly.

I didn't believe the 10second thing but always worth checking. Thanks again all.

That's a great result....obviously a mechanic and not an auto electrian you'd be surprised as to how many times supposed "electrical faults" come down to the wrong orientation of the battery!

[Tommyzoom85]

My s60 2005 remote central locking doesn't work if the plug on the back of the heating controls is disconnected.

This may or may not be connected with your issue. But worth having a look.