When people talk about luxury car manufacturers, Volvo is one of the names that comes to mind. This is because Volvo has built a name for itself as a manufacturer of reliable and efficient cars. Since it was first founded in 1927, Volvo has become one of the largest car manufacturers in the world. As of this writing, Volvo has an average selling number of 700,000 vehicles per year.
Connect with a verified mechanic in minutes. No appointments. No high fees. No waiting. Get back on the road and enjoy the ride.
However, there are some models that come with unique features that are meant to make your life easier. One such model is the Volvo XC70.
The XC70 is a small SUV which was launched in 2003, as a renaming of the V70. It is a compact crossover vehicle that can seat up to five people. This makes it perfect for transporting passengers as well as cargo. The features that XC70 offers include a full set AWD system, a heated steering wheel, and a top-of-the-line audio system. The vehicle also has excellent interior and exterior design, making it look attractive on the road.
What is a Car Key Fob?
This model is equipped with features that allow you to access your car easily. The key fob on this vehicle is one of the most popular items on this model. A key fob is a small device that is attached to your keychain. It allows you to start your car or lock and unlock the doors of your vehicle.
Connect with a verified mechanic in minutes. No appointments. No high fees. No waiting. Get back on the road and enjoy the ride.
If you are a person who frequently forgets where you put your keys, you will appreciate the convenience of a key fob. For this reason, many people choose to buy this model for their personal use.
The XC70 key fob offers the following functions:
- Locking, for locking car doors.
- Unlocking, for unlocking car doors,
- Tailgate, for controlling the tailgate door alarm system.
- Panic button, to attract outside attention if the car owner is in an emergency.
- Approach light duration, to turn on a light of the car if the owner is trying to look for it.
As seen from above, aside from unlocking and locking your car, a key fob is very useful in many situations.
Possible Issues With a Key Fob
As with all electronic devices, key fobs can malfunction. This is unfortunate, as this will render the fob useless. If you are experiencing issues with your key fob, it is important to follow these pointers:
1) Try a backup remote
The first thing you should do is try to replace the key fob with a backup remote. This will allow you to narrow down the root of your key fob issues.
If your backup remote allows you to lock and unlock your doors, you will know that there is a problem with your main remote. In contrast, if your backup remote doesn’t work, it is possible that there is a mechanical or electrical problem with the door locks.
2) Check the key fob battery
This is the second thing you should do. The battery of your key fob should be replaced every three years. If it is out of date, the problem may be in the battery or the transmitter unit.
The majority of the car key remotes are powered by category 4 button cell batteries, and they are not expensive. Regardless, it is still a good idea to check the battery that your remote uses and see if it’s good.
There are a few ways you can determine which type of battery you need. What you should know should be listed in your owner’s manual. Alternatively, you may contact a local dealer. You can also open the remote and check the battery. Usually there will be a number printed or stamped on the surface of the battery.
3) Check the buttons
Check the buttons on your key fob. It’s possible that your key fob is malfunctioning because there is something wrong with the buttons. If you have already checked the battery, you should check the buttons next.
Make sure that they are not misaligned, and that they are not dirty. This can be done by using a small piece of cotton to clean them. Alternatively, you can clean them using rubbing alcohol and a toothpick.
If none of those options work, you might need to get them replaced by a professional technician. If there is something wrong with the buttons, you might have to replace them with new ones.
4) See if there’s any signal interference
This is another possibility. If there is a problem with the transmitter unit, it might be interfering with other electronic devices. For example, your key fob may be malfunctioning because of a nearby radio frequency.
In this case, you should try moving the key fob closer to your vehicle, or putting some distance between it and likely culprits of the interference, such as your smartphone. See if that changes anything. If not, it’s possible that you need to get a new transmitter unit.
5) Get your key fob reprogrammed
If none of the above work, there may be other problems with the remote, like broken battery contacts or a problem with the buttons. It’s also possible that your vehicle has forgotten the fob.
When you want a remote to work properly, it must be paired with the receiver unit in your car. This way, someone who has the same make and model of your vehicle can’t just go up and use their fob on your vehicle. If your vehicle has “forgotten” your key fob, you might need to get your key fob reprogrammed.
So, you will have to reprogram your car’s keyless entry system in order to restore your car key remote functionality. You can do this by turning the key in the ignition several times while the doors are closed. Additionally, you can consult an expert, as this is a service that many car dealers offer.
6) Buy a replacement!
Other options include buying a replacement remote from your local dealer, whether brand new or used. If you get a used one, you must reprogram the lock and unlock on your vehicle to make it recognize it.
Max Anthony
Max is a gizmo-savvy guy, who has a tendency to get pulled into the nitty gritty details of technology and cars. He attended UT Austin, where he studied Information Science. He’s married and has three kids, one dog and a GMC truck and a Porsche 911. With a large family, he still finds time to share tips and tricks on cars, trucks and more.
Review engine, brake issues, error codes and more with a Mechanic Online in just minutes.
Ask a Mechanic Live Now
