Keyless entry driving me nuts

[mr-bear]

Hi guys.
I sure do hope you can help me, I've got a huge problem.

*The car I drive is a V70 1999 and it's just brilliant... If only the fob and /or reciever worked. That's the problem.. It just won't work.

This is what I've done so far:
*Changed the batteries in both fobs.
*Resoldered the buttons and connections to the battery on both fobs.
*Changed the reciever by the instrumentcluster twice.
*Extended the range of the reciever by solering a cable to the antenna on the reciever.

And what did I get out of doing all this?
Well.
When I resoldered the joints in the fob it worked fine for about 2 weeks, then it died on me. Reslodered again but still would'nt work.

When I changed the reciever it worked for about three days the slowly died on me again. Now it works every now and then.

When I extended the antenna on the reciever I could lock and unlock the car from about 45 meters (147feet).. This worked well for about one week.

If I disconnect the car battery and connect it again it works for about 3 days.

Now..... I have to lock and unlock the car with the key and I'm scared of even trying to lock the car with the fob because I'm not sure I can unlock the car and deactivate the alarmsystem.

It seems to me that the coded(?) signal is'nt beeing recognized.. of is beeing decoded as it should for about 2½ days then something goes wrong.


I'm lost..Please help.. i'll try anything.

Best regards
Patrik

[scot850]

Have you re-set the system using the drivers door lock? Can't recall the exact details (in the handbook), but I think you have to lock/un-lock the door with the physical key 3 times.

Neil.

[Ozark Lee]

Without VIDA and DICE you are pretty blind trying to track this down. With the 99+ cars the remotes are a bit maddening but it is imperative that the original remotes be retained. The coding for the remotes is set from the keyfob factory and the only thing that identifies them for the purposes of programming is the original packaging from that factory. The original keyfob code numbers are entered into VIDA along with the other relevant information that is read from the car and the package is electronically sent to Volvo and incorporated into a software download that is flashed to the car. The code numbers are unique to the remote keyfob and they can't be read from the device itself short of some extreme hacking.

From your description of problem I suspect either bad switches or a bad connection in the battery holder. The battery holder is a bit flimsy but it is also very difficult to repair. I was able to scab one of off another used remote and glue it in place to revive an otherwise non functioning remote. Another problem could be the switches themselves but I know of no source for replacement switches as a component. This is another place where a used keyfob could be of some utility. What is imperative is that the original circuit board be retained since that is where the coding is burned into the chips.

The other alternative is very unattractive and it involves a visit to the dealership with a small stack of Benjamins to buy a new remote and have it mated to the car.

...Lee