Tag: key blade

Start a Volvo or Polestar with a Dead Key Fob

How to Start a Volvo or Polestar with a Dead Key Fob

Starting Your Volvo or Polestar

Volvo Back Up Style 2Beginning with the 2020 XC-90 redesign and the newer key fob style, plus Polestar EV models, a sensor location is provided for the key fob. It is found in the second cup holder in the center or tunnel console. An illustration of a key with lines radiating from it can be seen at the bottom of the cup holder.

Polestar 2 back upNote that you will find the mark inside the small center console of the Polestar 2 (right), which is also the location of the second cup holder! Place the key fob in the cup holder. The vehicle will recognize the fob even if the fob’s internal battery is dead. The alarm will be turned off and the car can be started as normal, by turning the Start / Stop switch to the Start position while depressing the brake. Note that the Polestar 2 is started, or powered up, by stepping on the brake.

XC-40 backup locationIn the Volvo XC-40, the company’s first all electric model, and subsequently the C40 and EX40 EVs, the mark will be found inside the center console on the bottom and to the front (right). It too features the mark of a key with lines radiating from it. Place the key fob on the mark. The vehicle will recognize the fob even if the fob’s internal battery is dead. The alarm will be turned off and the car can be started as normal.

Beginning in 2021, a smart phone app became available for both Volvo and Polestar models and can be used to open and start these vehicles. A key card is added beginning in 2024, and the key fob cannot be used to start the car with a depleted battery.

Polestar 3 card readerSo, in both the Polestar 3 and 4, the key card is placed on the spot used to charge your smart phone (right), which is at the front of the center console. The key fob for the Polestar 3 can be recharged on this spot, the card reader, as well.

In any case, using the key card to start your car requires that noting else is on the card reader. It cannot simultaneously charge a phone and a key fob. The reader cannot read the card either if something is being charged.

Volvo Key SlotIn older, second generation keyless start Volvo models, an ignition slot comes into play. The slot will be found either alongside or below the Start/Stop ignition button. Insert the key fob into the ignition slot. This will turn off the alarm and allow the vehicle to be started as normal by pressing the Start / Stop button while depressing the brake.

Volvo Slot #2The vehicle will recognize the key fob even if the fob’s internal battery is dead.

The remote key can be removed from the ignition slot by pressing the it in lightly. The remote key will then be ejected slightly and can be removed from the slot.

Early Volvo backup startIn first generation keyless start models, the ignition switch is turned in normal conditions, similar to key start vehicles. There is a dummy key that needs to be removed. Press the the button found on the side of the dummy key, which frees it to be pulled away. The key fob can then be inserted in its place and the vehicle can be started (right).

Click here for video help specific to Volvo and Polestar models.

Use Brake IndicatorNote: If you have made an attempt to start the vehicle without success, there may be residual pressure in the brake system and a new warning light may appear (left) or text message to Step on the Brake. Press the brake pedal very, very hard when trying to start the vehicle again to be sure that the release switch behind the pedal is engaged. Or wait a few minutes and try again.

… Return to Part I: Getting In

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Remember that only proper service and repair procedures will ensure the safe and reliable operation of your car. In addition, proper safety procedures and precautions, such as the  use of safety goggles, the right tools and the equipment should be followed at all times to eliminate the possibility of personal injury or improper service which could damage the vehicle or compromise its safety.

These posts are for information sharing purposes only, and should not be used in lieu of an OEM service manual or factory authorized service procedure. We are not in the auto repair business nor do we publish automotive service manuals. Nothing we include on these pages and posts has been reviewed, approved or authorized by any vehicle manufacturer.

Technology is always changing and what is current and accurate today may be literally out-of-date and inaccurate tomorrow. And when it comes to the current state of flux in the auto industry, nothing is more true.

Permanent link to this article: https://dashboardsymbols.com/2018/11/volvo-dead-key-fob-help-part-i-getting-started/

Open a Volvo or Polestar with a Dead Key Fob

How to Open a Volvo or Polestar with a Dead Key Fob

Retrieving the mechanical key

Three key fob or remote key or remote control styles are in play for Volvo. With new ownership and a redesign of the XC-90 in 2016 and spreading into other models as they are updated, including the first new Polestar models, comes a new key fob style.

It should be noted that in 2021, a smart phone app became available for both Volvo and Polestar models and can be used to open and start these vehicles. A key card is added beginning in 2024.

Volvo Key Style 2As we noted, beginning with the 2016 Volvo XC-90 redesign as well as all Polestar models, a new style key fob is used (right). To retrieve the mechanical key or key blade, look for a slide lever on the top of the key ring end of the fob. This will free the front cover, which needs to be removed.

Volvo Key Blade 2To do this, push the cover slightly down and away from the key ring end. It can then be pulled up and out, exposing the mechanical key. The key blade can then be lifted out.

The key holes on most models may not be immediately visible, but help with that can be found below.

Volvo KeyWith the previous generation key fobs, the is pulled away from the fob rather easily. Slide the spring loaded catch on the back of Remote Key (remote control or ‘clicker’) to the side. Pull the key blade straight out of the remote key. On some models, the lock cylinder (keyhole) at the back of the door handle will be visible. If so, use the key blade to unlock the door. See below if the key hole is hidden.

Early Volvo key fobWith the first generation Remote Key, a similar spring loaded catch will be found on the top of the fob, on the key ring end. As with the fob above, slide the catch to the side and pull the mechanical key away. Again, the lock cylinder (keyhole) at the back of the door handle may or may not be visible. See below if the key hole is hidden.

Getting Inside

Note: Unlocking the vehicle with the mechanical key will set off the alarm. Following the start procedure will also turn off the alarm.

Volvo Style 2 LockIn the Volvo XC-90 and other redesigns going forward since 2016, as well as the Polestar 2, the key hole is also hidden, but easily found and nothing needs to be removed. Simply pull the door handle out as far as possible and the key hole is exposed, as shown in the image.

Insert the mechanical key (it may be awkward to get at) and turn it clockwise to unlock. Remove the key blade and release the handle. Pull the handle once again and you are in the car.

LC500 key holeThe Polestar 1 features a door handle that is flush to the car’s body. Push the front of the handle inward and pull away the back, as seen to the right. The key hole is now exposed. As above, insert the mechanical key and turn it clockwise to unlock. Remove the key blade and release the handle. Pull the handle once again and you are in the car.

Polestar 4 back up entryPolestar-3 door handleA mechanical key is not available to unlock the Polestar 3 or Polestar 4. The smart phone app or the vehicle’s key card will be needed. With the Polestar 3, the card is touched to the front of the driver’s door handle (right). With the Polestar 4, the card is touched to the middle of the door pillar just behind the driver’s door (far right).

The app simply uses a tap on the screen.

For older Volvo models, if the keyhole at the back of the driver’s door handle is hidden, follow the next set of instructions.

Volvo Keyhole CoverPress the key blade about a half inch straight up in the hole on the underside of the keyhole cover (right), found at the back of the driver’s door handle. This action will force off the cover. If you are in the dark, you may need to feel for the hole. Yes, you must remove a piece of the car, but it is ok and necessary. Use the mechanical key in the now-exposed lock to unlock the driver’s door.

Continue to Part II, Getting Started …

——————————————————————-

Remember that only proper service and repair procedures will ensure the safe and reliable operation of your car. In addition, proper safety procedures and precautions, such as the  use of safety goggles, the right tools and the equipment should be followed at all times to eliminate the possibility of personal injury or improper service which could damage the vehicle or compromise its safety.

These posts are for information sharing purposes only, and should not be used in lieu of an OEM service manual or factory authorized service procedure. We are not in the auto repair business nor do we publish automotive service manuals. Nothing we include on these pages and posts has been reviewed, approved or authorized by any vehicle manufacturer.

Technology is always changing and what is current and accurate today may be literally out-of-date and inaccurate tomorrow. And when it comes to the current state of flux in the auto industry, nothing is more true.

Permanent link to this article: https://dashboardsymbols.com/2012/04/volvo-dead-key-fob-help/