I just bought a 1993 Volvo 850. The problem is with the keyless entry. I can use the remote to unlock the doors but it won't work for locking. I can do so manually with the key. At first I thought it might be the remote itself as the guy I bought it from thought that it might have broken at some point when he dropped it. I went online and bought a generic remote compatible with the 850($50 cheaper) and programmed it according to the instructions. Unfortunately, the new remote has the same problem with not being able to lock the doors. So it is obviously not a problem with the remote side of things.

As I am now the third owner of this car, the previous owner didn't know a whole lot about the car's history. I'm not sure if there is an alarm system installed or not. There is a sticker on one of the rear windows that says Volvo Alarm, and a red light on the radio console that flashes. There is also some kind of led light mounted on top of the dashboard close to the windshield. I've never seen that light up and not sure what it is for.

I don't know if there is anything I could tweak around with to maybe get the locking part of the keyless entry to work. I guess I could take it to a volvo dealer but I expect that it would turn out to be costly and I don't feel like putting too much money into the car for what is really just a minor inconvenience. Just seems strange to me that unlocking with the remote would work, but not the locking.

Any ideas?

 

The LED lights up and then slowly flashes when I lock my 850 w/ remote or the key -probably problem w/ alarm module. I'd start from fuse box -check appropriate fuse.
Cannot tell you more -maybe tech can help.
Also, try searching differen forums for this problem.

 

Hi,
i just bought a 94 turbo and the problem is the exact same. I programmed 2 more VOLVO remotes to it and the symptom is the same. Can UNLOCK with remote but nothing happens when i press lock button. System works fine with key from both doors and the light comes on and start blinking when i lock using key.
Have double checked the fuses # 3,6,15 and 32 and they look good.
Plese help!

 

Maybe the alarm or lock relay is bad. Thats about all I can think of.

 

Almost identical problem here, except my remote won't UNLOCK. It locks just fine, but I have to use the key to unlock the doors. Are there different fuses for different aspects of the system: a fuse for unlocking, a fuse for locking, a fuse for the alarm, etc., etc.? Where would I find the relays for the alarm or lock?