Hello folks!

In the base S70(only option - alloy wheels) does the car alarm come standard? We bought one last week and the alarm does not seem to arm itself when locking the car using the remote. The indicator lights flash when locked but the alarm is not set.

Has anybody had this problem before or did I not get the alarm as standard equipment?! Will be calling the dealer shortly, but would appreciate your inputs.

Thanks!

-malangi

Malangi,

If your car does have an alarm, it will take approximately 30-45 seconds after you activate it to actually arm. After 30-45 seconds, if any one of the zones are penetrated (such as having someone open a door from the inside) the alarm will sound.

malangi, as Brian said, alarm is optional on 1998 S70 base. I have one and the only two options on my car are alloy wheel and Automatic Climate Control. Because of the ACC, I have a smal mound in the senter of the dash at the bottom of the windshield containing a red LED and a light sensor (opaque white thingie). The red LED is for the alarm and the light sensor is for the ACC. Even though I have the red LED, my car does not have the alarm. Base S70 cars with manual climate control do not have the mound (my neighbor has one without the mound). So, if you do not have ACC, then you should see a plastic plug where most other S70s have that LED/sensor mound.

Cheers.

Thanks for the input folks!

We have ACC in our car and so have the LED at the base of the windshield. Would you folks know how much it would cost to install an alarm?

Vladimir, I read your post on the installation of a CD changer. Very useful info. Thanks! Would installing an aftermarket CD changer(DIY) impact the warranty in any way??

Thanks!

-malangi

My 1999 S70 did not come equipped with the alarm or ACC. During price negotiations with the dealer I asked for the alarm to be installed as part of the deal (i. e., at no cost to me) and the dealer did so. I don't know how much it cost but it must be reasonable or he wouldn't have agreed so quickly (or else he made so much on the deal that it was insignificant in comparison!). A new remote that has a red panic button came with the alarm system. The original remote (without the red panic button) was in the glove box when I took delivery. I don't know that it has any use. If it did I suppose the dealer would have kept it in exchange for the new one.

The red LED alarm light on top of the dash by the windshield (the one that flashes when the alarm is set)was in the car before the alarm was installed but of course it didn't do anything until the alarm system was installed.

Malangi,

Are you in the States or/ Canada ?

If you're in Canada, then all of the S70 COMES with a standard alarm system ( regardless of model ), but ECC is an option.

No aftermarket accessories/devices/modifications,etc.. will affect the warranty, unless Volvo can prove it in court. That is a law !!!!!!!!!

Cheers !,

---

Kenny

2001 Nissan Pathfinder SE; 1998 Volvo S70 GLE

It may be a law, but it's not often case.

Better take the imaginary 100 shot off of your imaginary Volvo, Kenny.

malangi, ACC is the second option on your car, then, since it is not standard equipment in '98. Also, as strange as it may sound to consumers in US, automatic transmission is an option on all '98 Volvos sold here in US.

Regarding the aftermarket CD changer. If you follow the directions I outlined on Ozbrick, you will not be altering any of the original wiring, so the warranty should not be impacted. In fact, I can disconnect my CD changer in a matter of 2 minutes and there will be no sign of it ever having been connected to the head unit. Also, I used an Genuine Volvo mounting bracket for the trunk mounting (I altered the bracket, not the car, bracket costs $13 and I don't care if I voided the warranty on the bracket), so that should also be ok as far as warranty is concerned.

Good luck with your car. I like mine a lot, even though it sometimes seeks my attention by exhibiting minor problems (some major ones have been taken care of under warranty). I like to tinker with it, so it is not a big deal. It drives beautifully and is very comfortable on short and long trips. I also feel better having my family in a Volvo knowing the safety heritage of the brand.

I know for MY 1998 the base S70 does not come with the alarm standard. Your remote should not have the red panic button, too.