Volvo Key Fob Not Working: Fix It Now with Easy Steps
A Volvo key fob works perfectly with just a little press. This makes it effortless to start the car. But what happens if it suddenly stops working? That would surely be problematic. Thus, you must look at the issue right away to fix your key fob!
So, why is the Volvo key fob not working? Well, it might stop working if the battery is dead. Sometimes, the terminals of the battery might be broken. Note that broken buttons of the fob may be responsible too. Last but not least, the key fob might have internal issues for which the key fob stops working.
Well, this only covers the reasons behind the problem. Now, to know about the solution to this along with many more insights, move into the main part!
Why Is My Volvo Key Fob Not Working?
To know why your Volvo key fob is not working, you need to understand the probable reasons behind this. So, here are the reasons behind the Volvo key fob malfunctioning along with their solutions.
A Dead Battery
The Volvo key fob needs a properly functioning battery to work. One of the most common reasons for a key fob not working is the dead battery.
Over time, batteries go dead or the battery efficiency decreases. Due to this, the key fob can not function properly, if not fully out of order.
Solution
The first thing you do for this problem is test the battery. To identify a weak or dead battery, you can use a follow-up.
See if the key fob is working only from a close distance but not from farther distances. If this happens, the battery is weak and going to be dead soon.
In such a case, get a new battery to replace the old one to get your Volvo key fob to work again.
Bad Key Fob Connection
Sometimes the key fob will have issues working due to a bad key fob connection. This happens as clips of the battery get loose over time.
No matter how many times you change or replace the battery, the problem will still be there.
Solution
The solution to it is absolutely simple. To fix it, take off the battery and put it in again. But you need to make sure that you give enough force to it.
Try to give some extra pressure while putting the battery back in. You may also fold a small piece of paper on top to give force to the battery. But be careful not to break the fob or the chip.
Broken Terminals of the Battery
Sometimes, the batteries are new but the key fob still fails to work. This mainly happens if the battery terminals are broken.
The most common reason for this is the corroded battery terminals that are distorted over time. Note that this happens especially if you do not keep the key fob clean.
Solution
If you replace or take off the battery, you can quickly check the terminals of it too. If you see the terminals have any corrosion, you need to clean them off just like cleaning the battery.
To do it, you need rubbing alcohol and cotton swabs. Once you have these, start by pouring a few drops of alcohol on the swabs. Then rub off the corrosion.
While doing this, make sure you take time and do not go hard.
Dirty and Worn-out Buttons
Remember that it’s not always the battery as the buttons of the key fob might also be responsible for this problem. This is because the key fob buttons have dirt and may have wear and tear as time goes by.
Thus, the buttons get out of order one by one. As a result, the key fob starts having issues and stops working after a time.
Solution
For this problem, you need to clean the key fob thoroughly. To clean it, you will need artificial cleaning wax. Once you have this, take a small piece of clean cloth to rub the key fob with this wax.
Wipe the key fob for about 30 seconds like that. After that, get another piece of cloth to take off the wax by rubbing it again. This should take off the dirt and fix the buttons.
Glitch in the Media Control Unit
The key fob may have issues working even though the battery and buttons are working fine. This is because the media control unit may have disruptions which would cause erratic messages.
Solution
For this, you need to reset your key fob. To do this, pull out the mechanical key from the key fob and put it into the driving lock.
Now, move the key clockwise and anticlockwise 6 times. Then put it back into the key fob to reset the key fob. This should fix the MCU problem.
Internal Issues
If none of the problems are seen as discussed above, the key fob has internal and mechanical issues. These can not be seen as these are complex to even find and diagnose for general people.
Solution
If the problem is internal, there are possibly some issues that you can not diagnose or fix. That means the issues are most likely technical or mechanical.
In such a case, the key fob will need the programming again. To do this, you need to visit a dealership, where you can reprogram the key fob.
Should I Take the Help of An Expert To Look at My Volvo Key Fob?
Many people are confused between fixing the key fob by themselves and calling an expert. Well, it depends on the problem.
Problems like battery issues or other external stuff are pretty simple actually. You can easily fix that if you have any experience or you think you are confident enough.
However, if the key fob is having any internal or mechanical issues, you better not try to resolve it by yourself. An appliance with internal problems requires an expert.
If you try to fix it as an amateur, you may deteriorate and even damage the key fob completely.
Tips To Maintain the Volvo Key Fob
A key fob is like any other mechanical appliance that needs good maintenance. Take a look below to maintain your Volvo key fob properly.
- Keep the key fob clean all the time. Use a dry small towel to wipe off dust particles every day. However, do not use water for this.
- Try to avoid multiple taps at a time. Make sure you do not get it in the reach of children.
- Do not hit or put any pressure on the key fob.
- Use the key fob regularly. Even if you are not using your car for days, use it to start the car. It will keep the mechanism of the key fob active.
- Although it is not a must, you can add an antenna to your key fob. This will increase the range of it, making your key fob stronger and more active.
So, these are a few tips that you can follow to maintain your key fob properly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are a few related queries regarding a Volvo key fob, having issues to work with.
Can I start the car if my Volvo key fob does not work?
Yes, you can start the car even if your Volvo key fob does not work. To start your car manually, set the fob on the ‘key picture’ that is beside the driving seat. Then push the brake pedal to start the car manually.
Is it better to fix or replace the key fob when it has issues?
It depends on the degree of the problem and whether you should repair or replace the key fob of your Volvo vehicle. If the battery has a problem, you can easily fix it. However, if the key fob has technical and internal issues, it’s better to replace it.
How much does a new Volvo key fob cost?
To replace or get a new Volvo key fob, you will need to spend around $150. Replacing a Volvo key fob will create a new profile for the driver. This will let the driver set many settings according to his convenience.
Final Words
Now you know what to do if the Volvo key fob is not working! We believe you have no more complications resolving this problem.
Coming to the end of this article, we have a last tip for you. To keep your key fob safe, try to use a metal container to put this inside. This will prevent radio signals from reaching out to thieves or any outsider. So, that brings us to the end, we wish you good luck!
