Frustrating Remote won't unlock- ONLY lock!

VolT5 · Post by **VolT5** » 12 Jan 2010, 10:36

Hi guys,
I really need your help here.
I've done all of the following:

1) reprogrammed remote countless times (switching ignition on 5 times etc..)
2) changed remote battery to fresh new ones

However, the remote would still not unlock. It only locks. In fact when I press the unlock, I can see the lock try to lock itself again even when its already locked! What could be the problem now??? My central lock still unlocks and locks perfectly.

Thanks!
1997 Volvo 850 T5

ChiNorm · Post by **ChiNorm** » 12 Jan 2010, 10:51

I wonder about the actual switch in the remote. I would take the remote apart and inspect / resolder the switch terminals.

Post by **jblackburn** » 12 Jan 2010, 10:58

You can find new remotes on Ebay for pretty cheap. It may be worth the small investment to save yourself the frustration.

VolT5 · Post by **VolT5** » 12 Jan 2010, 11:08

What I find troubling is that both my remotes exhibit the same behavior...both locks and won't unlock. Could it be the receiver?

Post by **jblackburn** » 12 Jan 2010, 11:17

That is strange then, especially considering that when you push the button in the car the locks work fine. I'm not sure what would go wrong in the system itself to cause such a thing to happen, but you can pull the keyless entry system out of any junkyard 850 and wire it up interchangeably right where yours is.

One other thing you could try is to reset the whole system (and whole car, essentially). Pull the battery cable off, turn the key to start to drain the charge, and then reconnect the battery. Make sure you have your radio code before you try this!!!

VolT5 · Post by **VolT5** » 12 Jan 2010, 11:23

Thanks - I will try this as soon as I get home tonight. Where is the keyless system located in the car?

Post by **BEJinFbk** » 12 Jan 2010, 12:12

I don't think it's the remotes.
If you get a response and see things in the car move, the remotes work.
What happens when you use the built-in Lock/Unlock button in the car
or drivers door key? Does it unlock then?
If you get the same result using the controls in the car,
you probably have a bad Lock/Unlock relay.

Post by **jblackburn** » 12 Jan 2010, 12:29

My central lock still unlocks and locks perfectly

That's what I was thinking at first too, but that works...which is why I suspect the whole keyless entry system itself. It's possible a reset may fix it.

Most of the wiring is located behind the glovebox, with the antenna located in the right A-pillar. I was trying to dig up some pictures to show you, but it doesn't seem like there's very much information on this subject.

VolT5 · Post by **VolT5** » 12 Jan 2010, 12:33

My central locking system still works when I press either lock or unlock. It also works if I unlock/lock the car outside with a key.

VolT5 · Post by **VolT5** » 12 Jan 2010, 13:13

Well, I tried resetting it by disconnecting the battery but it still did not solve the problem. Guess not many people are experiencing the same things. I think the problem is that the car thinks I am trying to lock the car when I also press the unlock button. Why that is so is beyond me.