OK, Volvo newb here. We have only had this car for a couple months now.

Had a Aftermarket Stereo installed by Best Buy this weekend. Now SRS Airbag Warning light is on.

From my research, they should have disconnected negative battery cable before doing the swap, tech said that when he disconnected climate controls, the error popped up.

I took it to local Volvo dealer to get code(s) reset. They say that the code will just keep returning unless I put the factory stereo back in. They were going to charge me $115 just to reset codes, but they also said the code is just going to come back on. I told them, screw that, and I drove away without a reset.

So, also through my research I have found the following possible fixes:

1. I can take it to my regular mechanic (who doesn't have the Volvo specific code reader), he said if it's just a SRS light, he can probably just reset that for $60. MOST of my research has stated that on a pre 2005 Volvo, a reset of the code SHOULD fix the problem.

2. I have also read that what the Best Buy tech could have tripped a bunch more codes and that ONLY a Volvo dealer (or someone with the full Volvo software) can reset it if there are multiple codes tripped.

3. I have also read that the Factory Stereo has to be manually removed from the software in my volvo. This can only be done again by Volvo or someone with the reader and volvo DICE software.

Just trying not to spend a lot of $$ on what should have been a simple Stereo install. I want it done quickly as this is my wifes car and I want the SRS to be functioning properly ASAP.

These Volvo's are WEIRD to say the least. Battery bolted down in the trunk, can't install aftermarket Stereo and I changed a blinker bulb the other day and had to remove the window washer fill tube to get to it (and that bulb has already blown again 2 weeks later).

 

Anyone with a Volvo-capable scan tool that will do the SRS codes should be able to reset the code for you...as to whether it will come right back, I'm not sure. Anytime you disconnect anything electrical, you should remove the negative terminal from the battery...the electrical systems are super-sensitive...You can buy your own scan tool on e-bay for about $200...I bought the Autel MD801 and it will read/clear volvo codes.

 

the airbag still works, I don't know for sure but I don't see why the light will return without the original radio.

 

The radio is a module that communicates on the network. Swapping an aftermarket one disrupts the network and the SRS light will be on because the SRS communicates on the network. You will need the dealership to download the radio removal software.

Any time the light is on, there is no guarantee the SRS system will function as it should if needed.

And you don't need to disconnect the battery any time you disconnect a module. However, if you disconnect a module with the key on, then you can set codes.