Is your Volvo XC90 key fob acting up? Perhaps it’s becoming less responsive, or maybe you’ve even received a low battery warning on your dashboard. Don’t worry, you’re likely just dealing with a depleted key fob battery. The good news is that a Volvo Xc90 Key Fob Battery Replacement is a simple task you can easily handle yourself at home.
This comprehensive guide from the experts at keyfobx.com will walk you through each step of replacing your Volvo XC90 key fob battery. We’ll show you exactly what you need and how to do it, ensuring your key fob is powered up and working perfectly in no time. While we’re always here to help at our Volvo service center, this is a quick fix that can save you a trip and get you back on the road faster.
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 straightforward for most vehicles within this range. 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 activities where you prefer a more compact and rugged option. However, due to its water and dust-resistant construction, a Volvo XC90 key fob battery replacement is not possible for this key tag. If you have issues with a key tag, we can assist you in ordering and pairing a replacement.
For your standard Volvo XC90 key fob, changing the battery is a hassle-free process. Let’s get started.
What you’ll need for your Volvo XC90 key fob battery replacement:
- A clean, static-free workspace: A wooden cutting board or a clean desk will work perfectly.
- A flathead screwdriver or a coin: Used for gently prying open the key fob.
- A new 3V CR2032 battery: This is the standard battery for most Volvo key fobs. Always double-check your Volvo XC90 owner’s manual to confirm the correct battery specification.
- Rubber gloves (optional but recommended): To protect the electronic components from static and oils from your skin.
Once you have gathered these items, find a comfortable and well-lit area to perform the Volvo XC90 key fob battery replacement.
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Prepare the Key Fob: Place your Volvo key fob on your clean work surface with the Volvo logo facing upwards.
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Remove the First Cover: Locate the small button near the key-ring loop. Slide this button towards the key-ring hole. You should feel the cover loosen. If not, try sliding the button again.
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Gently Detach the First Cover: Use your fingernail to carefully pry off the cover that has become loose.
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Locate the Second Button: Underneath the cover you just removed, you’ll find another button near the manual key. If you don’t see it immediately, look around the revealed manual key.
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Remove the Second Cover: Slide this second button sideways and hold it in that position. While holding the button, flip the key fob to the other side.
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Detach the Second Cover: Keeping the button held, remove the cover on this side in the same way you removed the first one.
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Identify the Battery Hatch: You should now see a circular section with a rectangular slot, labeled “close” and “open” with an arrow pointing to “close”. This is the battery hatch.
Alt text: Close up view of the Volvo XC90 key fob battery hatch, showing the arrow pointing to the word ‘close’, indicating the locked position.
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Open the Battery Hatch: Use your flathead screwdriver or coin to turn the battery hatch. Turn it in the direction that aligns the arrow with the “open” marking.
Alt text: Image depicting a flathead screwdriver being used to turn the battery hatch on a Volvo XC90 key fob to the ‘open’ position.
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Pry Open the Battery Hatch: Once set to “open”, gently use your fingernail or screwdriver to pry the battery hatch off the key fob body.
Alt text: Volvo XC90 key fob with the battery hatch slightly opened, revealing the battery compartment inside.
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Wear Rubber Gloves (Recommended): Put on your rubber gloves to protect the battery and electronic contacts from damage.
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Remove the Old Battery: Carefully pry the old battery out of its socket. The easiest way is to gently lift the side of the battery closest to the key-ring loop first. Be careful not to damage the clips or touch the electronic contact surfaces.
Alt text: Close-up showing the removal of the old CR2032 battery from the Volvo XC90 key fob, using a finger to gently pry it out.
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Insert the New Battery: Take your new CR2032 battery and ensure the positive side (marked with a “+”) is facing upwards.
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Secure the New Battery: Insert the new battery into the socket at a downward angle. Slide the edge of the battery under the two clips furthest from the key-ring loop first.
Alt text: Image showing the insertion of a new CR2032 battery into the Volvo XC90 key fob, correctly oriented with the positive side up.
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Lock the Battery in Place: Continue sliding the battery forward until the clips engage and lock it into position. Gently press the battery down until all clips have securely fastened it.
Alt text: The new CR2032 battery fully installed and locked in place within the Volvo XC90 key fob battery compartment.
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Reassemble the Key Fob: Now that the Volvo XC90 key fob battery replacement is complete, reassemble your key fob by reversing the disassembly process.
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Resecure the Battery Hatch: Place the battery hatch back on and turn it until the arrow points to “close” to secure it.
Alt text: Image showing the battery hatch being closed and secured on the Volvo XC90 key fob, with the arrow pointing to ‘close’.
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Reinstall the Key Fob Covers: Align the key fob covers, gently press them down, and slide them towards the key-ring loop until they click into place.
Alt text: The final step of reassembling the Volvo XC90 key fob, showing the covers being reattached and slid into the locked position.
These steps are also applicable if you need to perform a Volvo valet key battery replacement.
In most cases, your key fob should now work perfectly. If it remains unresponsive after the battery change, it might require reprogramming to your vehicle. If this happens, don’t hesitate to contact our certified Volvo service center for expert assistance.
Symptoms of a Low Volvo XC90 Key Fob Battery
Knowing the signs of a dying key fob battery can prevent you from being caught off guard. Here are some common symptoms indicating it’s time for a Volvo XC90 key fob battery replacement:
- Unresponsive Key Fob: The most obvious sign – your key fob simply doesn’t work when you press the buttons.
- Delayed Response: You press a button, but there’s a noticeable delay before your Volvo responds (locking, unlocking, etc.).
- Reduced Key Fob Range: You need to be much closer to your XC90 than usual for the key fob to function.
- Multiple Presses Required: You have to press the buttons repeatedly to get your vehicle to respond.
- Dashboard Warning Light: A “Key fob battery low” warning may appear on your Volvo XC90’s dashboard.
My Volvo XC90 Key Fob Battery is Dead: Can I Still Unlock My Car?
Yes, even with a dead key fob battery, you can still access and start your Volvo XC90. Here are a couple of options:
- Volvo Cars App: Utilize the Volvo Cars App on your smartphone to remotely unlock and even start your vehicle.
- Manual Key: As shown in our battery replacement guide, you can access a physical key by removing the key fob covers. This manual key can be used to unlock your Volvo XC90 in the traditional way, by inserting it into the door lock cylinder, usually located under the door handle.
- Proximity Start (Sometimes): In some instances, if the battery has a very minimal charge left, holding the key fob directly against the door handle and pressing the engine start/stop button might work. However, this is not always reliable.
Get Expert Volvo Service at Johnson Volvo Cars Charlotte
We hope this guide has empowered you to confidently perform your Volvo XC90 key fob battery replacement. Remember to check out our other helpful guides, such as how to “jump-start a dead car“.
If you have any further questions about your Volvo XC90 key fob or require any other automotive services, including Volvo battery replacement or key programming, please don’t hesitate to contact us at Johnson Volvo Cars Charlotte. Our certified technicians are here to provide trustworthy and expert service. Schedule your service appointment online today!
Frequently Asked Questions About Volvo XC90 Key Fob Battery Replacement
How often should I replace my Volvo XC90 key fob battery?
The lifespan of a Volvo XC90 key fob battery typically ranges from 2 to 3 years, but this can vary depending on usage and environmental factors. Keep an eye out for the symptoms mentioned above to know when a replacement is needed.
What type of battery does a Volvo XC90 key fob use?
Most Volvo XC90 key fobs use a CR2032 3V battery. However, it’s always best to confirm the specific battery type in your Volvo XC90 owner’s manual to ensure you use the correct replacement.
Can I use any brand of CR2032 battery for my Volvo XC90 key fob?
Yes, you can use any reputable brand of CR2032 battery. However, opting for a high-quality brand can sometimes offer longer battery life and more reliable performance.
Do I need to reprogram my Volvo XC90 key fob after replacing the battery?
In most cases, no, you do not need to reprogram your Volvo XC90 key fob after a simple battery replacement. The key fob should resume normal operation once the new battery is installed. However, in rare instances, or if there were other underlying issues, reprogramming might be necessary. If your key fob is unresponsive after battery replacement, contact a Volvo service center for assistance.
Is Volvo XC90 key fob battery replacement covered under warranty?
Key fob battery replacement is typically considered a maintenance item and is generally not covered under the vehicle’s standard warranty. However, if your Volvo is still under a new car warranty or extended service contract, it’s always worth checking the terms and conditions to be certain.
Can I replace the battery in a Volvo XC90 key tag?
No, the battery in a Volvo XC90 key tag is not replaceable due to its water and dust-resistant design. If your key tag is no longer functioning, you will need to order a replacement and have it paired to your vehicle by a Volvo dealer.
