Today I looked at a really cute V40, and I have a question.


First off, it's a 2000 V40, with 135K miles. The CEL is on, but the car runs and drives.


The radio is in-op and shows 'code' because the battery has just been changed.


The problem that concerns me is the door locks.


There are two keys that go into the locks but the keys will not turn. The keys work on the read lift gate, and in the ignition.


With the engine running the central locking works.


I am new to Volvos, so I wonder if this door lock thing is a regular problem. I don't want to buy it if it needs $500 worth of actuators or something.


Thanks.

 

First the easy - Volvo radios have 4 digit anti-theft codes. If you have the original radio, the owner should have a card with the code on it, otherwise the dealer can use the VIN to find the code and reset the radio. The unknown is the CEL. Best to get the list of codes first to determine what the probable cause is. If its the VVT - you could be looking at an $800 kind of repair. As for the door locks, try spraying some WD40 or similar to see if they are just crudded up. Assuming the car can unlock the doors with the fob, you can probably just remove the door card to access the locking mechanism to remove, clean etc - see if its the actuator that's jammed etc. The door actuators are easy enough to find at a yard - some will even sell you the locks with the keys. just search using car-part.com to find a yard near you. worst case is you have one key for the door, another for the ignition... Also check the battery in the fob to make sure its not the reason you can't click your way in.