How to Replace the Battery in Your Volvo Key Fob Replacement
Having a functional key fob is essential for being able to conveniently lock, unlock, and start your Volvo. However, like any electronic device, the small battery inside Volvo key fobs will eventually drain over time and need to be replaced. This step-by-step guide covers how to change out the battery in your Volvo smart key, as well as troubleshoot any issues if the fob stops working properly after a battery swap.
Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Volvo Key Fob Battery
There are a few common signs that indicate the battery in your Volvo key fob is running low and due for a replacement:
- Reduced range – Normally your key fob should function reliably within 10-20 feet of your vehicle. If you need to get closer before the buttons work, it likely means the battery is dying.
- Hesitant or intermittent functionality – You may find the lock and unlock function pauses before activating or only works sometimes. A weak key fob battery manifests in inconsistent behavior like this.
- The LED doesn’t light up – When you press your key fob locks there is typically a bright LED light flash. No light can indicate a dead battery.
- Error messages in your Volvo – Newer models may display warning messages on the dashboard about an invalid or low key fob battery when you start the car.
Replacing the battery at the first signs of low performance can help prevent getting fully locked out of your car if the key dies completely.
What You Need to Change a Volvo Key Fob Battery
Replacing the battery in your Volvo smart key fob is fast and simple. Here are the only tools you need:
- CR2032 coin cell battery – This round 3V lithium battery is an easy replacement match for the existing one inside your key fob. They are inexpensive and readily available.
- Small Phillips screwdriver – You’ll need this to carefully pry open the plastic casing of your key fob. Make sure not to lose any screws!
- Clean towel or cloth – It helps to have a lint-free cloth on hand while changing the battery to clean out the compartment or wipe off old battery leakage if present.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Replacing a Volvo Key Fob Battery
Ready to swap out that dead battery? Follow this simple Volvo key fob battery replacement process:
- Place your key fob face down on a soft surface. Identify the small Phillips screw holding the two plastic halves together, usually at the base or side of the key. You may need to remove one or two additional screws depending on your model.
- While holding the fob halves together, carefully stick the Phillips screwdriver into the screw slot and pry open. This may take some mild effort. Set aside the screws somewhere safe!
- Gently pull the two casing sides apart and locate the thin lipstick-sized coin cell battery inside. Note the orientation with which it was sitting.
- Using your cloth, clean away any leakage or corrosion if present inside the battery compartment.
- Slide out the old CR2032 battery and dispose of it. Then insert your new battery with the positive (+) side facing up – matching how the old battery was positioned. This orientation is critical for proper function.
- Check that the new battery is sitting securely in place and doesn’t easily dislodge. Close up the plastic fob casing and tightly reinsert the screws. Be careful not to strip the screw holes.
FAQ – Troubleshooting Volvo Key Fob Issues
Why does my Volvo key fob have such a short range suddenly?
The most likely culprit for key fobs working only when you are 5 feet away from your Volvo (vs the normal 20+ foot range) is a depleted battery in need of replacement. Over months and years of pressing the remote buttons to lock/unlock and the constant electronic communication with your car, the small CR2032 coin cell battery inside the fob slowly drains. Easy DIY battery swaps just take minutes.
My Volvo doesn’t recognize new key fob after replacing the battery – what should I try?
Start by double checking the positive + side of the new CR2032 battery is facing upwards in the correct orientation. Batteries installed backwards will prevent key fob functionality. Make sure the clear plastic insulator ring around the perimeter of the battery is properly aligned too. Then attempt to manually resynchronize the key fob and vehicle by standing right next to your Volvo and pressing lock/unlock repeatedly for 5+ minutes continuously. Consult your owner’s manual for the officially recommended resynchronization procedure as well – often involving turning the key in the door locks back and forth a specific number of times.
Where can I buy replacement or spare Volvo key fobs and have them programmed?
Volvo dealerships are always an option of course, but will charge top dollar – likely over $200+ for a new key fob and programming. More affordable alternatives are third party auto locksmiths in your area with the specialized electronic programming equipment. Or you can buy aftermarket fob shells and backup inserts on Amazon and DIY programming if you study tutorials. Classifieds like craigslist or eBay also have lots of used Volvo key fobs available for purchase from parts salvagers. Copying the mechanical key blade at a hardware store kiosk is easy too then.
Replacing an expired battery is all that is needed to wake your dead Volvo key fob up again and get you effortlessly locking, unlocking or remotely starting your vehicle once more! Following this guide makes it a quick and painless 5 minute fix.