It’s a common scenario: you approach your Volvo XC40, reach for the door handle, and… nothing. Your key fob seems unresponsive. The immediate thought? “It must be the key fob battery.” While a Volvo Xc40 Key Fob Battery Change is often the solution, sometimes the problem is a bit more complex, hinting at underlying issues that could leave you stranded.
Many Volvo XC40 owners experiencing intermittent or complete key fob failure initially suspect a low battery. This is understandable, as battery replacement is a simple and routine maintenance task. However, what if you’ve already performed a volvo xc40 key fob battery change, and the problem persists? Or worse, what if your key fob works sporadically, only to fail entirely at the most inconvenient moment? This was the frustrating experience of one Volvo owner, and their journey to a solution reveals a potential issue beyond just battery life.
Their experience began with intermittent key fob issues, easily dismissed as a possible fluke or a weakening battery signal. However, these random failures escalated until the key fobs stopped working altogether. The vehicle could still be driven by placing the fob in the center console – a temporary workaround, but not a permanent fix, especially when even this method fails after a simple refueling stop. A trip to the dealership and a replacement of the MAM (presumably the Media Application Module or similar module related to keyless entry) in February seemed to address the problem, initially.
But the relief was short-lived. Despite the MAM replacement, the key fob issues returned after the first rain. This recurrence led to a crucial discovery: a potential leak in the fin antenna on the roof of the Volvo XC40. It turns out, there’s a service bulletin for 2021 and 2022 Volvo models regarding leaking fin antennas, which can affect the keyless entry system. Interestingly, even though the service bulletin was for later models, the 2019 XC40, like the one in this case, uses the same fin antenna design.
Alt text: Close-up of a Volvo XC40 roof fin antenna, potentially a source of water leaks causing key fob issues.
The issue arises when water infiltrates the fin antenna housing. This water intrusion can then corrode or short circuit the MAM, which, importantly, houses the keyless entry module. The result? Intermittent, and eventually complete, key fob failure – symptoms easily mistaken for a simple dead battery.
During the initial dealership visit, despite being informed about the service bulletin, the technician dismissed the antenna leak as a possibility for the 2019 model. They even physically checked the antenna’s sturdiness, claiming no leak. However, the owner correctly pointed out that a visual inspection wouldn’t necessarily reveal a subtle leak. The subsequent rain proved the owner right, highlighting the antenna as the likely culprit behind the recurring key fob problems, even after a MAM replacement.
The recommended solution, according to the service bulletin (VOLVO 12/09/21 Part Bulletin QB A10140), involves applying a silicone tape seal to the fin antenna after replacing the MAM. This preventative measure aims to stop water ingress and protect the new module from future corrosion. However, dealerships may be hesitant to perform this fix proactively, as it requires dropping the rear headliner to access the MAM located beneath the fin antenna. This added labor might explain why it’s sometimes overlooked, or only addressed when key fob issues become persistent and clearly linked to water intrusion.
So, while a volvo xc40 key fob battery change is the first step when your key fob acts up, don’t immediately dismiss the possibility of a more significant problem, especially if you experience recurring issues or live in an area with frequent rain. If you’re facing persistent key fob problems with your Volvo XC40, consider discussing the antenna leak and service bulletin with your service advisor. It could save you from repeated battery replacements and address the root cause of the issue, ensuring your key fob remains reliable in the long run.
Alt text: Volvo XC40 key fob, highlighting the importance of battery maintenance and potential related issues.
