It can be frustrating when your Volvo XC90 key fob starts acting up. A common culprit is a low or dead battery. Fortunately, replacing the battery in your Volvo XC90 key fob is a straightforward process you can easily handle yourself, saving you time and a trip to the dealership. This guide from the experts at our Volvo service center will walk you through each step to ensure your key fob is powered up and working perfectly in no time.
Step-by-Step Guide: Replacing Your Volvo XC90 Key Fob Battery
For Volvo XC90 models from 2016 onwards, the key fob design has remained consistent, making the battery replacement process similar across these years. This guide applies to your main key fob and any spare key fobs with buttons. It’s important to note that Volvo also offers a buttonless key tag, designed for active lifestyles, which due to its water-resistant nature, does not allow for battery replacement. For these key tags, a full replacement is necessary. However, for your standard Volvo XC90 key fob, changing the battery is a simple task.
Before you begin, gather these few items to make the Volvo XC90 key fob battery replacement smooth and efficient:
Tools You’ll Need:
- A clean, static-free workspace: A wooden cutting board or similar surface is ideal.
- A flathead screwdriver or a coin: For gently opening the key fob.
- A new 3V CR2032 battery: This is the standard battery for most Volvo XC90 key fobs. Always double-check your owner’s manual to confirm the correct battery specification for your specific model year.
- Rubber gloves (optional but recommended): To keep the electronic contacts clean and free from oils.
Once you have everything ready, find a comfortable and well-lit space to perform the battery replacement.
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Prepare the Key Fob: Place your Volvo XC90 key fob on your clean work surface with the Volvo logo facing upwards.
Alt text: Volvo XC90 key fob with Volvo logo facing up, ready for battery replacement.
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Remove the First Cover: Locate the small button near the key-ring loop on the side of the key fob. Slide this button towards the key-ring hole. You should feel the cover loosen slightly. If it doesn’t immediately release, try sliding the button again.
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Gently Detach the First Cover: Use your fingernail or a plastic pry tool to carefully lift and remove the cover that became loose.
Alt text: Close-up view of removing the first cover of a Volvo XC90 key fob to access internal components.
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Locate and Slide the Second Button: Underneath the cover you just removed, you’ll find another small button near the manual key. Slide this button sideways and hold it in that position.
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Remove the Second Cover: While holding the button, flip the key fob over to the other side. Similarly to the first cover, gently pry and remove the second cover.
Alt text: Second cover removal process of a Volvo XC90 key fob, exposing the circular battery hatch.
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Open the Battery Hatch: You will now see a circular battery hatch with a slot and markings for “close” and “open,” along with an arrow pointing to “close.”
Alt text: Battery hatch on a Volvo XC90 key fob shown in the closed position with arrow indicator.
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Turn the Battery Hatch to Open: Use your flathead screwdriver or coin to turn the battery hatch in the direction indicated to “open.” Ensure the arrow now points to “open.”
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Pry Open the Battery Hatch: Once set to “open,” gently pry the battery hatch off using your fingernail or the screwdriver.
Alt text: Using a flathead screwdriver to carefully open the battery hatch of a Volvo XC90 key fob.
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Remove the Old Battery: Put on your rubber gloves if you are using them. Carefully pry out the old CR2032 battery from its socket. It’s easiest to lift the side of the battery closest to the key-ring loop first. Be careful not to damage any clips or touch the electronic contact surfaces.
Alt text: Removing the depleted CR2032 battery from the Volvo XC90 key fob battery compartment.
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Insert the New Battery: Take your new CR2032 battery and ensure the positive side (marked with a “+”) is facing upwards. Angle the battery and slide the edge under the two clips furthest from the key-ring loop. Push the battery forward until it’s secured by the clips. Gently press down to ensure all clips are locked and the battery is firmly in place.
Alt text: Inserting a new CR2032 battery into the Volvo XC90 key fob, positive side up.
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Reassemble the Key Fob: To finish the Volvo XC90 key fob battery replacement, reverse the disassembly process. Place the battery hatch back on and turn it until the arrow points to “close.” Align the key fob covers, gently press them into place, and slide them towards the key-ring loop until they click securely.
Alt text: Reassembling the Volvo XC90 key fob covers after successfully replacing the battery.
Alt text: Fully reassembled Volvo XC90 key fob with a new battery, ready for use.
These instructions also apply if you need to perform a Volvo valet key battery replacement.
In most cases, your key fob should now function as good as new. However, if it remains unresponsive, it might require reprogramming to your Volvo XC90. Contact our certified Volvo service center for assistance with this process.
Recognizing the Signs: When to Replace Your Volvo XC90 Key Fob Battery
Knowing when your Volvo XC90 key fob battery is getting low can prevent unexpected lockouts. While a completely unresponsive key fob is a clear indicator, there are often earlier warning signs:
- Delayed Response: You might notice a longer delay than usual between pressing a button on your key fob and your Volvo XC90 responding (e.g., locking/unlocking doors, opening the tailgate).
- Reduced Range: The effective range of your key fob might decrease. You may need to be closer to your Volvo XC90 for the key fob to work.
- Multiple Presses Required: You may need to press the buttons multiple times to get your vehicle to respond.
- Dashboard Warning Light: Some Volvo XC90 models will display a “Key fob battery low” warning message on the dashboard.
What to Do if Your Volvo XC90 Key Fob Battery Dies Completely
Even with a dead Volvo XC90 key fob battery, you are not locked out of your vehicle. You have a couple of options:
- Volvo Cars App: Utilize the Volvo Cars App on your smartphone. This app allows you to remotely unlock and start your Volvo XC90, even without a working key fob.
- Manual Key Access: As demonstrated in the battery replacement steps, you can remove the key fob covers to access the physical, manual key. This key can be used to unlock your Volvo XC90 manually. The key slot is typically located underneath the door handle.
- Emergency Start: In some situations where the battery has a minimal charge, holding the key fob directly against the door handle and pressing the engine start/stop button might work as an emergency starting method.
Get Your Volvo Key Battery Replacement & Comprehensive Service With Us
We hope this guide has empowered you to confidently handle your Volvo XC90 key fob battery replacement. For more helpful guides like how to jump-start your car or for any further questions regarding your Volvo XC90, please don’t hesitate to contact us at Johnson Volvo Cars Charlotte. If you prefer professional assistance with your Volvo XC90 key battery replacement, need key programming, or require other Volvo services such as a full Volvo battery replacement, our expert technicians are here to provide trustworthy service. Schedule your service appointment today!
Frequently Asked Questions
How to replace the Volvo XC90 key fob battery?
To replace the battery in your Volvo XC90 key fob, follow these simple steps: open the key fob casing using the release buttons, access the battery hatch, open the hatch, remove the old CR2032 battery, insert a new CR2032 battery ensuring correct polarity, close the battery hatch and reassemble the key fob casing. Detailed steps with visual aids are provided in the guide above.
How do I know if my Volvo XC90 key fob battery is dead?
Signs of a dead or dying Volvo XC90 key fob battery include: unresponsiveness to button presses, delayed vehicle response, reduced operating range, needing to press buttons multiple times, or a “key fob battery low” warning on your dashboard. If your key fob fails to operate even when close to the vehicle, the battery likely needs replacement.
Where can I get my Volvo XC90 car key battery replaced?
You can easily replace your Volvo XC90 car key battery yourself by following our guide. If you prefer professional service, or if your key fob requires reprogramming after battery replacement, schedule a service appointment at Johnson Volvo Cars Charlotte. Our certified technicians are ready to assist you.
How can I open the Volvo XC90 key fob?
Opening your Volvo XC90 key fob involves sliding a button near the key ring to release the first cover, then sliding a second button revealed underneath to release the second cover. Refer to the step-by-step instructions and images in this guide for a visual walkthrough.
How can I start my Volvo XC90 if my key fob dies?
If your Volvo XC90 key fob battery is dead, you can use the Volvo Cars app to start your vehicle remotely. Alternatively, you can use the manual key located inside the key fob to unlock and start your Volvo XC90. In emergencies, holding the key fob against the door handle while pressing the start button might also work if there is a faint charge remaining.
