Hi!

I have recovered my 2009 Volvo S60 after it was stolen and had been stationary for about four months. The car starts and runs, but I now have a major problem with the remote control.

The Problem:

Neither of the car's remote keys works to lock or unlock the car. Both keys have received new batteries (CR2032), but it made no difference.

Relevant Information:

The car has been stationary for a long time, likely with a completely discharged car battery. This may have affected the car's receiver/electronics.

The immobilizer works, and the car can be started when the key is inserted into the ignition switch.

The central locking can be operated from the inside (with the button in the door), but not from the outside via the remote control.

A newly purchased battery has been installed in the car. (For other concerns, but perhaps relevant)

My suspicion is that the keys have lost their programming (however a Volvo mechanic told me this shouldn't happen in my situation) or that there is something wrong with the receiver in the car after the long power interruption/theft.

Questions for you:
Does anyone know of a simple procedure to "reset" or sync the keys on an S60 (2001-2009) after a long power outage/car battery replacement? (I have tried the usual method of turning the key to position II and pressing the buttons, without success).

Is it likely that I will have to go to Volvo or a locksmith to have the keys reprogrammed?
All tips and experiences are warmly welcomed before I am forced to book an appointment at a workshop!

Thank you in advance!

 

Anyone? Please?

 

Keys and remotes are 2 different functions - your keys are working, your remotes are not.
The "keys have lost their programming". The key has a passive chip in it (no battery is needed) whose signal is picked up by the antenna ring around the key slot. The id of that chip is stored in the CEM and if it matches the CEM allows the car to start. So if they start the car - your CEM still recognizes your keys.

Your remote - sends lock/unlock/and other signals to the UEM. (upper electronic module) That's a module attached to the back of the inside rear view mirror. If someone changed or simply unplugged the mirror - that would prevent it from working. New remotes are "programmed" with a download using VIDA. To program the UEM to recognize a new remote - you have to have a code that's printed on the bag the new remote comes in. There is no way (using VIDA) to program a used remote to work.

Question - How was your car stolen? Was a key left in it? (Volvos are not really a target for theft due to the immobilizer and the general excitement level of a Volvo. (sorry))

 

Oh alright. This actually makes sense now since the rear view mirror was damages by the thief and replaced by the mechanic. Did they forget to do something then to get the key to work? Also I was kidnapped and when I managed to escape the car was with the kidnapper and the police was looking for it for around 3 weeks. And just FYI, I'm not a criminal I was just a target for some reason...

 

"rear view mirror was replaced by the mechanic" New mirror? Used mirror? Do you still have the old original mirror?

A new mirror will require a software download using a VIDA subscription to make the existing remotes work. (if the correct part # was installed) Usually only a Volvo dealer has a VIDA subscription (but I'm guessing Insurance is paying for some of this?)

A used mirror won't work. If you had the old mirror (and the old UEM is intact) you could send both to xemodex and have them transfer the "program" from your old mirror (UEM) to the new used mirror.

OR - If you have the old mirror (and the old UEM is intact) you can simply take both mirrors apart and move the old UEM to the new/used mirror.

I'm certainly glad you are ok after your experience.

 

I spoke to the mechanic, it's a new mirror. I just want to give you my biggest thanks for helping me solve this issue. I've spoken to the mechanic and he didn't know about what you wrote but they looked it up and saw that its their responsibility (since they changed the rear view mirror (insurance is involved) and they've said it's no problem and that they will send it to Billia (which is the only I guess official big Volvo workshop in Sweden and they have VIDA) to program the keys.

You've been a huge help and I really do appreciate you taking your time and helping me with this. May you be extremely blessed in life.