940 alarm remote key problem

wookiemaster · Post by **wookiemaster** » 04 Dec 2006, 03:53

I have had my Volvo 940 Auto Estate 1993 model for 4 years.

Until last week I did not realize there was an alarm!

I replaced a dead battery and when connecting the new one, the
alarm went off. I do not and have never had a remote to turn it
off. Unlocking the car with the normal key sets off the alarm.

I can not use the car! I need to use it. Have a daughter in
hospital and am disabled myself. I really need the car working.
I have a 1969 Mustang, but its not practical in this English winter!
Nor is it practical for a young girl, who's legs have just stopped
working for no apparent reason (I kid you not)....heck I even have
to remove my artificial leg to drive it!

I have researched this a bit. I see on Ebay that there are a lot of
different keys. How the heck do I ensure I get the right one?

I do have instructions on how to programme a key, using the
several on off technique but need to get the right key.

Can someone please help. This problem has come at the worst
possible time. I can not stress enough how much of a problem
this is. I would really appreciate any help.

Post by **billofdurham** » 04 Dec 2006, 09:55

You have a choice of 3 alarm systems fitted to 940s of that year:-
1. Basic Alarm
2. Guard Alarm 1
3. Guard Alarm 2.

I think the most common in the UK was the Guard Alarm 1, certainly that was what was fitted to my 1994 Wentworth. Usually there is a warning sticker on the front side windows and it would have the alarm system on that.

However, failing the stickers, the Guard Alarm 1 has its control unit mounted on the right hand side windscreen pillar. It is a black plastic box with LEDs in it. Check to see if that is there.

Bill.

wookiemaster · Post by **wookiemaster** » 05 Dec 2006, 03:06

Bill, thanks for the response.

Yes, sticker on window states Guard Alarm and the plastic box
on the pillar is present with the three options.

I await your further advice with anticipation.

Post by **billofdurham** » 05 Dec 2006, 12:06

The Volvo Guard alarm has a choice of two remote controls. One operates on infra-red the other on radio. The remotes are identical but are distinguished by the colour of the "belt line" around the middle. The infra-red has a blue belt line and the radio has a black belt line.

I have not come across a radio controlled system as it needed a radio receiver under the bonnet and the infra-red was the cheaper version anyway.

This is what they look like:

http://img169.imageshack.us/img169/1403/alarmbe8.jpg

Sorry about the b/w picture, it's all I have. They are actually a silver grey colour.

Hope this helps.

Bill.

wookiemaster · Post by **wookiemaster** » 06 Dec 2006, 00:31

Thanks for the information.

I have not seen anything like the picture for sale on the
net. There are quite a few remotes for sale, but none
match the picture.

I am sure your info is correct, which makes the 5 or 6 remotes
for sale under the guise of volvo 940 remotes a litle
suspect.

Still stuck, still looking for an answer. Still unable to use
the car.

Post by **billofdurham** » 06 Dec 2006, 16:03

I omitted to say that you have the Guard Alarm 1. Most of those on eBay are for the Guard Alarm 2 which is a totally different system.

Bill.

wookiemaster · Post by **wookiemaster** » 08 Dec 2006, 02:38

So, is the conclusion that I will have to go to the Volvo dealer and buy
a key from them, or in there another source?

I see some sources in the US that offer their own keys, perhaps I should
email them.

The hospital trips continue and I can not think of a worse time for this
to happen

Post by **billofdurham** » 08 Dec 2006, 15:34

A dealer is the last resort. I would be checking scarp yards, especially those that specialize in breaking Volvos.

Try this link; http://www.partsgateway.co.uk/

Register free with Parts Gateway, put in what you want and they will contact several Volvo breakers for you. You may be lucky and get one that way. The remotes have to go somewhere when the car dies!

Bill.

Post by **billofdurham** » 09 Dec 2006, 16:17

I think this may work as a temporary measure to get you mobile.

Locate the alarm control module. It is up under the instrument panel and has a 25 pin plug going into it.

As the alarm has been activated so will the built in immobiliser. Pull the plug which will disable the alarm and then put a jumper between K15 & K16 on the plug to override the immobiliser.

Click on the thumbnail to see how. As I said, it may work, if it doesn't then all you have lost is your time.

Bill.

wookiemaster · Post by **wookiemaster** » 15 Dec 2006, 09:04

Ok, I have bought a radio remote, with the
blue banding from a dealership .....