The keyless remote for my 1995 850 wagon no longer works. The dealer checked it and told me I have to replace the remote and reprogram the new one. This will cost $156. Ouch. Is there any way I can get this done cheaper?

Cmanzi--do a program check first like the man said. Turn the key in the ignition all the way over without engaging the starter, five times, and on the fifth time leave it on. Then press down on either the lock or unlock button. On my 97 wagon the security light on the top of the dash will start to blink and then glow steadily and finally go out, telling you that the programming is finished. Both the remotes on my 97 finally gave up and I was looking at a couple of hundred for two. I popped off the back and replaced the batteries, but it was nada, no difference. Incidentally, opening up the remote is no trick. Take a kitchen knife and use the back edge to pry open the remote on the fob end. Any other place is futile. After replacing the batteries and not noticing any difference, I reprogrammed both and this worked. For a while. I think what happens is that the receiver in the car which receives the signal from the remote, finds it difficult to recognize the code after a while, and reprogramming the receiver by clicking on the remote and sending a new signal straightens things up. Failing remotes are a money maker for Volvo, so naturally they or Robert Bosch, whoever makes them, design them to have a short operating life. Dick

Also spray some WD-40 into your key locks on the doors of your Volvo, it will get the moisture out that freezes them up in the winter so they'll be easy to work. You'll have to program your reciever to your new FOB when you get it.


If transmitter is replaced, unit may need reprogramming. It
is necessary that receiver be programmed with each key code. To
reprogram receiver, turn ignition switch to position I or II 5 times
within 10 seconds. Leave ignition on at fifth turn. Press either LOCK
or UNLOCK button on transmitter once within 30 seconds. If transmitter
is provided with different key codes, programming of each unique code
must be accomplished within 30 seconds. Turn ignition off. Verify
operation of each individual transmitter.



Mike
'95 850T

Lock lube:
Instead of WD-40, I prefer the graphite based liquid made for lock lubrication. Push the key into the lock just enough to open the flap, and drip the lubricant down the key into the lock. Use plenty. Have a rag handy to clean up the inevitable drips.

And tape over the locks when you go to the car wash.

Remote:
My dealer told me my '96 (which I bought used without remote included) could have used one of two different types, and he could not tell which without trying to program one, which he would have to order. I don't want to pay dealer price, though.

Remotes are all over eBay, and I think my only option is to take my chances and pick a type to try.

Thanks for the instructions on programming - lack of that knowledge (and ready cash) was all that was holding me back. Will these instructions work for both types of remotes?
--
Charles Grammer - '93 245, '96 850

Don't you just love it when the dealer lies? Go to Ebay and get one for $20+5 for shipping. Make sure it looks identical to yours.

Are you positive it is the remote and not the transceiver? Is the battery dead? Did you have to get closer and closer before it finally stopped working?

The transceivers are known to go bad in early 850's.

Klaus
--
98 V70Rawd(101Kmi), 95 854T(85K mi), 75 164E(173K mi)

It was awhile ago, but I think that the remote just stopped working. I thought it was the battery so I ignored it and used my key.

Now that it's winter in Boston and frozen locks are a problem, I need my remote. I only went to the dealer because I couldn't open the remote to replace the battery. Mr. Nice Guy opened the thing and replaced the battery for $4. I was so happy for about 5 minutes until I tested it and NOTHING. Mr. N-G (no good) then disappeared into the garage to test it. He told me I needed a new one and that it would cost $156. "Isn't there any way I can get out of this cheaper?" I whined. "No, there isn't," he replied. HAH. A liar, just as I suspected and you confirmed! Ebay, here I come. Thank you Klaus.

But...should I check the transceiver?

I recently purchased a 96 854 T5 that came with no remote. The electric locks worked fine from both the door switch and dash switch. I have followed the dialog on the remote issue and purchased a transmitter on EBay. It was a new unused second unit from someone who supposedly had sold his 97 Volvo. The price was more than $20. but still far less than dealer price.Volvo Unit arrived in factory packaging with no sign of use with Volvo instruction sheet. I tried the 5 times off-on and at end of 5th at "on" after depressing either button, nothing appeared to happen. Tried this a couple of time and opened remote and tested both batteries - both at 3.07 vdc. Replaced and still no luck.The remote is the newer style with the plastic fob and ring and vertical Lock/Panic and Unlock buttons. It matches the one shown for a 96 850 at www.keylessride.com
Is there a way to test tranceiver, and is it easy to access for replacement?
Also, is there a way to test remote, as I can easily obtain a credit via dispute since I paid with VISA.
Thanks
Bob Sc

eBay...