How to Start a Volvo or Polestar with a Dead Key Fob
Starting Your Volvo or Polestar
- But first, if you are still locked out, click here for help getting inside!
- Second, for video help, click here.
- Finally, if you need or want another manufacturer, click here.
Beginning 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.
Note 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.
In 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.
So, 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.
In 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.
The 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.
In 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.
Note: 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.
The author has 25 years of automotive experience and has assembled the most extensive collection of symbols and warning lights anywhere (over 1,000!) and can help you open and start any keyless start car with a dead key fob battery. BA, St. Joseph’s College, ME: MS, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, NY
As 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.
To 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.
With 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.
With 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.
In 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.
The 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.
A 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).
Press 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.