Whilst looking for the solution to the problem of the remote entry failing to work unless right up against the windscreen, it seems like the only solution provided was to change the receiver module that sits up on the drivers side windscreen pillar. I have found that this is not necessary....

remove the cover from the receiver ... on the top right hand corner is an adjustable potentiometer, recognisable by the cross shaped screwdriver slot. It appears that this is affected by both heat and/or moisture ( humidity ) and can sometimes act up. My answer to the problem is to rotate this potentiometer a few times, pressing in lightly while turning, then reset to the best possible position by trial and error by pressing the remote and moving further away each time till the optimum position is found. Actually this does not require that you leave the interior of the car. Replace the cover of the receiver. Job Done.

If this fails .. try a little squirt of WD40 on the potentiometer and repeat the above process.

If this fails then I guess it's back to the dealer for a new one like everyone else has said

Dear HG Alves,

May this find you well. You offer valuable insights into this problem. Might I suggest you submit them for inclusion in the Frequently Asked Questions part of this forum?

Under FEATURES above, you'll find the FAQs. Once there, you'll find contact information for the forum's Secretary, who is the keeper of the FAQs. If you e-mail him your post, he will include at least some of it in the next update to the FAQs. That way, your hard-won insights will be easy to access, for thousands of Volvo-owners, worldwide.

Thanks for taking the time to post.

Yours faithfully,

spook

Over the years there have been a number of tricks suggested here to extend the range of remotes:

o Use your head, here's Tom Irwin's humorous validation of the Ping trick (from Ping Shen) with an explanation by Jason Kneier.

o 700/900 FAQ article on extending the antenna by Tom Irwin (in the 700/900 FAQ).

o A bit more enlightenment from Abe Crombie.

I suggest you read the entire threads for more info.

--
Dave -not to be confused with a real expert

In the alarm systems that were installed by the dealer (perhaps until 1995) where there was a small triangular receiver with 3 LEDs, there apparently were two different transmitters which may have been specific to various countries, an IR and a radio wave transmitter. The first had only a short range even under optimal circumstances and had to be in direct line with the receiver. The radio type had a good range and was unencumbered by obstacles and barriers (for the most part)
--
John Shatzer, '97 V90 @ 105K