How to Change the Battery in Your Volvo Key Fob
Volvo has long been associated with safety, security, and reliability, starting back in 1959 with its three-point safety belt feature. As such, prioritising safety and security starts with secure access to your vehicle. A well-functioning key fob is essential for seamless access and vehicle security.
When it comes time to start changing battery in Volvo key fob, you can rest assured you can maintain control with minimal hassle. Follow along with our guide on how to change a Volvo key battery to streamline and maintain safety on your future car trips. Let’s get started.
What You Need for Volvo Key Battery Replacement
To start with how to change a Volvo key battery, have the following items ready to start your DIY task:
- Choose the Correct Battery: Most Volvo key fobs use a CR2032 or CR2450 3V lithium coin battery.
- Use the Right Tools: A small flathead screwdriver or a thin prying tool to help open the fob without damaging the casing.
- Clean Cloth or Compressed Air Can (Optional): Use a cloth to wipe down and remove any fingerprints or debris on the battery and contacts, while the compressed air lightly cleans out the contents of the battery compartment.
Identifying the Correct Battery Type (CR 2032)
Before you make any purchases when changing Volvo key fob battery – start by identifying the battery type. Volvo key fobs usually use a CR2032 lithium coin battery that allows for at least a few good years of use. If you are not certain about the battery specifications, refer to your Volvo’s vehicle manual or check by looking at the current battery’s engravings before buying any replacements.
Note: As for the Volvo’s waterproof Key Tag, it doesn’t take a replacement battery. After battery depletion, order a new Key Tag from an authorised Volvo retailer.
How to Change the Battery on a Volvo Key: Step-by-Step
After getting your new battery, you can move to the next step of your Volvo key battery change. Follow the next 7 steps, which apply to the new Volvo models S90, V90, V90 Cross Country, XC60, XC90 and XC40). For added guidance, refer to the diagram.
Step 1: Locate the Latch on the Head of the Key.
Hold the Volvo key fob, with the logo facing you. At the bottom, find the small black release latch on the silver key ring.
Step 2: Slide the Latch to Remove the Front Cover Exposing the Second Latch on the Left of the Key.
Push the small black release latch down and slide it to the right, loosening the top Volvo key fob cover.
Step 3: Slide the Latch to Remove the Back Cover.
Slide the Volvo key fob cover up and remove it from the key fob unit. There is a second internal latch on the bottom right of the black plastic – slide it to the centre of the key fob unit to remove the back cover from the internal compartment.
Step 4: Take a Flathead Screwdriver to Twist Open the Battery Lid Exposing the Battery.
Flip the internal compartment over, so you now face the back plastic cover with a circle around a central notch. Take a screwdriver, insert it into the notch and twist it counterclockwise, aligning the labelled arrows from “closed” to “open”. Pry the circular cover upwards, exposing the current battery.
Step 5: The Battery is Removed and Replaced Making Sure the Battery is Placed According to its Terminals.
Next, pry the battery from the clips. You can choose to lightly clean out the compartment using the cloth or compressed air can. Then, insert the new battery into the clips with the positive (+) and negative (-) terminals aligned correctly – with the positive side facing upwards.
Step 6: Twist Back the Battery Lid. Put the Back Cover and Press.
After sliding in the battery, place the circular battery cover back on, using the screwdriver to twist the arrows to align to “closed”.
Step 7: Now Put Back the Front Cover.
Place the back and front covers on the central compartment, snapping them securely into place.
The Key is Ready For Use.
Once you complete step 7, you will have officially managed to change battery in Volvo key and the key fob will be able to resume its functions at full power again.
Common Issues and Troubleshooting
After having worked on changing battery Volvo key, your Volvo key fob and car should be responsive to each other. However, you may encounter some irregularities if there is a reversed battery placement, any protective tape left on the battery, or debris or damage inside the key fob’s internal compartment. Follow along with our tips below to troubleshoot ways to restore your Volvo’s key fob’s functionality.
Testing the Key’s Functionality After Battery Replacement
A simple way to cross-check any issues after you change Volvo key battery is to run a test. A trialling session will help you to determine if your key fob was experiencing just a drained battery, or if it may be due to another factor. Start checking by pressing the lock, unlock, panic, tailgate – and if your Volvo model has it, the approach lighting buttons. If there is no response, confirm if your battery is positioned correctly and the key fob cover parts are fully snapped together.
Solutions for Potential Key Problems
If after your test there is no response, your Volvo key fob may be experiencing another type of error. Try reprogramming the key fob with the below steps or consult a professional to check for possible mechanical or electrical issues. To futureproof your vehicle against future key fob hassles, consider installing Ghost Immobilisers to deter any kind of car hacking, key-cloning, or unwanted access to your Volvo.
Your Volvo Key Fob
Unlike other car makes, reprogramming your Volvo key fob requires more than just a battery replacement and synchronisation. As Volvo prioritises both safety and a secure connection, their key fob units are designed for authorised access only. To ensure the key fob is properly reprogrammed, visit a Volvo technician or follow our syncing software
If your Volvo key fob reprogramming session is not successful, consider a Volvo car key replacement.
Maintaining Longevity and Optimal Performance
After you change battery in Volvo key fob, you can contribute to extending your key fob’s lifespan by checking the battery often, replacing it when the signal weakens, and taking a few proactive steps.
Regular Battery Replacement Intervals
Your Volvo key fob battery may last between 2-3 years depending on its usage – but to be proactive, you can change the battery every 1-2 years. Look out for the key fob’s illuminated information symbol and the “car key battery low” message on the driver display – both are indicators to replace the battery. Replacing the battery regularly will help prevent unexpected key fob failures, keeping your car access fuss-free for prime performance.
Additional Tips for Key Care and Maintenance
You can add longevity to your Volvo’s key fob lifespan by:
- Avoiding Excessive Use: Only use the key fob as necessary. Try locking or unlocking your car with the physical key if possible when you’re near your Volvo.
- Using Proper Key Fob Storage: Keep the key fob dry and in a cool place when not in use. Avoid exposure to extreme temperatures or moisture.
- Separating from Electronics: Keep electronics or devices that emit strong electromagnetic fields away from the key – these could drain the battery.
- Cleaning the Key Fob Regularly: Gently clean the fob using only a microfibre cloth to remove dirt and residues.
- Changing the Battery Early: If you notice signs of a weakening battery (reduced range or slowed response), change the battery before it dies.
Tip: To protect your Volvo key fob against future damage, house it in a protective case to safeguard it from scratches and wear – and for added assurance, have a set of spare car keys readily retrievable.
FAQs
What battery does a Volvo car key use?
Volvo car key fobs usually use a CR2032 3V lithium battery. You can find these batteries in electronic stores and hardware centres or you can use online shopping.
What to do if a Volvo key fob dies?
If your Volvo key fob dies, you can access your emergency key stored inside the key fob. Use the emergency key to open the driver’s side door when the remote key’s battery is out of power. However, if your car’s battery is dead, the Volvo key fob won’t work – only access the vehicle by using the key blade to open the driver’s side door.
How to know if a Volvo key battery is low?
You will know if your Volvo’s key fob battery is low when the information symbol is illuminated and the “car key battery low” message is shown in the driver display. Also, look out for a decreased range for the key, indicating a low battery. However, the battery in the waterproof Key Tag is not replaceable and you will need a new one.
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