7 Volvo Xc90 Door Lock Problems You Can’t Avoid For Too Long

Several Volvo xc90 door lock problems can make you question the integrity of your vehicle. However, most of them are quite easy to crack and fix with a little attention.

The most common door lock problems encountered by Volvo xc90 users include central locking malfunctions, anti-theft system glitches, unresponsive window switches, faulty actuators, damaged latch assemblies, loose cables or handles, and key fob errors.

Addressing each of these issues is what I’ll cover in this guide, keep on reading…

7 Reasons Behind Volvo Xc90 Door Lock Problems

These are by far the most common door lock problems that as a Volvo xc90 user you might be encountering or at some point will meet. I’ve added your next step to take upon discovering these issues.

1. Check The Central Locking System

The Volvo xc90 should have a central locking system. This unit is basically in charge of locking and unlocking all doors simultaneously. 

However, any issue detected here can cause the vehicle to fail in locking one or more doors properly. Often the presence of damaged wiring is responsible for this issue. It can also be due to some loose connections failing the optimal operation of the locking system.

Solution: Replace Wiring or Control Module

To fix any problem with the central locking control, you must access the module itself. Check for any problematic wiring, and if required clean, tighten, or replace it. Requiring complete replacement of the control module could also be the case. In that scenario, I would suggest getting in touch with a certified Volvo technician.

2. Problem With The Anti-Theft System

To prevent any unauthorized entrance to the Volvo xc90 that may cause stealing, there’s an anti-theft system equipped in the vehicle. Malfunctions to this unit can also be responsible for door lock problems that you may be facing. Especially, if the door keeps locking and unlocking repeatedly even after multiple attempts to fix it.

Along with door lock problems, you may also experience unnecessary sunroof issues from alarm flashes, key fob issues, ignition failing to respond, and delayed engine start with or without prevented message. These are all symptoms that could indicate a malfunctioning anti-theft system.

Fix: Replace After Inspection

Often a simple Volvo xc90 door lock reset can get the unit back to working. However, if the underlying cause is more serious, the whole unit may need replacement upon further inspection at least.

3. No Response Even With Window Switch Clicking Sound

This is when you may hear the window switch clicking however nothing really happens. The sound basically confirms that the switch was able to engage. However, something might be an obstacle causing the doors to not respond. This could be a pretty tricky issue plaguing the xc90 doors.

First, I want you to check whether this issue is happening with one or more doors. Isolates the ones that are having this issue. 

Next, you want to look for unsettling sounds with the problematic doors. Before hastily replacing the switches or even the central electronic module, this inspection is necessary.

Because, often the main culprit behind an unengaging switch is the absence of the ground connection. Particularly the ones working for the doors you just isolated.

Reconnect Ground Wire

To fix this wiring problem with the ground connection, the straightforward solution would be to use a black wire. And basically, connecting it to the ground of your xc90’s problematic door. If you find the turn signal is blinking nonstop in the mirror, consider connecting the black wire to the ground pin.

4. Damaged Actuator

A broken actuator can result in persisting door lock problems in Volvo xc90. This is associated with finding the passenger side door unable to open. Probably because you attempted to disable the child lock. 

The actuator is usually the main culprit in such door lock failure. Unfortunately, some users reported that this problem can occur even in newly bought vehicles. 

There are a few common signs you’ll notice in the case of a broken actuator according to Fixter UK. This includes weird door sounds, erratic lock operation, malfunctioning locks, and slowing door operation.

Solution: Lubricate the Lock Mechanism or Replace the Actuator

An easy fix would be using some WD40 on the door lock mechanism. You can of course use any other suitable lubricant instead. Depending on how severely broken the actuator is, different fixes might be necessary. 

However, be prepared for an actuator replacement, which could be a tricky process as it requires disabling the door panel. Take help from a professional if it seems complicated. 

5. Damaged or Stuck Latch Assembly

The Volvo xc90 door not opening from inside or outside can be a result of issues within the latch assembly. Damage in the unit could be the cause. Or perhaps it is stuck and unable to allow the functioning of the door lock mechanism. 

How to Fix: Inspect Latch Components or Replace Assembly

To access the door latch and inspect it you must remove the back door for enough room to work on it. This simply requires unscrewing three T30S that hold the back door in place. 

Finally, you should find the latch part sticking out. Make sure all the components are at the right position. If you discover damaged areas on the latch, consider replacing the whole assembly with a new one.

6. Dangling Cable To Lock Operator or Broken Handle

Issues with the cable connection to the lock operator can cause an unresponsive door lock when you try to open it. This cable can get detached due to many reasons. However, most likely it is an oversight that might have happened during any recent installation or your last repair. 

Solution: Connect the Cable or Replace the Handle

The dangling cable needs to be connected securely for the door lock to respond. However, if this does not fix the problem, the doubt should shift towards the handle. A damaged handle can also result in door unlocking problems with Volvo xc90. This almost always requires a complete replacement of the handle assembly,

7. Damaged Key Fob

Now if you have checked all of the above given issues and still end up asking why won’t my Volvo XC90 lock, it could be due to a failing car remote.

Your Volvo xc90 won’t lock if the key fob battery is low or even dead. This means the fob is unable to send the right signal to the central locking system of xc90. As a result, there’s a locking prevention happening.

Solution: Replace The Battery & Reprogram Fob

The easiest way to fix this problem is to replace the battery. You may also need to reprogram the key fob. This is better done by an expert technician.

Wrapping Up

And just like that, you now know about 7 of the most common Volvo xc90 door lock problems. I’m not saying these are the only issues you should be worried about. However initially, place your doubts on these areas and maybe you won’t need to visit the repair center.

By that, I am in no way discouraging you from a trip to your local expect or a certified Volvo technician. In fact, for complicated door lock errors, that’s the best route to stick. And sometimes, the problem you are facing is too specific to cover in a general manner. 

So, if you are going through a serious problem with the door lock, keep in mind it’s regarding vehicle safety and you don’t want to delay a proper fix done by the right expert. I’ll be back with more Volvo xc90 stuff later. Meanwhile, you can check my previous piece on BLIS failure in xc90.