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Keyless entry lousy, replace? what about alarm? pls help! 850

posted by  Tim 850R on  Sat Aug 30 09:24 CST 2003
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Hi.

1996 850R. I have replaced the batteries in the keyless entry transmitter but the problem is not solved. I understand there is a particular way you're supposed to hold the transmitter and you have to aim it at the blinking light on the dashboard to open the locks. I literally have to get within arm's length of the car often times, just to unlock the doors. Not only this, it is very sketchy entirely. Normally I hit the unlock button twice to unlock all doors, but sometimes i have to hit the button like 10 times before it finally gets the point and opens the doors. Is everyone else's 850's keyless entry this bad?

I hear that new keyless entry systems have a great range, such as a couple hundred feet. I was considering abandoning the original volvo Keyless entry system and buying, say, one from circuit city. However, if I install another brand of keyless entry, will my factory original alarm system cease to function? in other words, is the factory original alarm tied into the operation of the door locks or must it be armed by a transmission from the volvo keyless keychain remote?

Perhaps I will say screw this all and buy a clifford alarm/keyless/remote start. Or maybe I'll forget about that because i'm in college and can't afford it...

help and advice is appreciated,

-tim 850R








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    Keyless entry lousy, replace? what about alarm? pls help! 850

    posted by  sbarrett on  Sat Sep 6 14:18 CST 2003
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    I tried to reprogram a keyless entry I got on eBay (along with the one that came with the car). I followed the directions for the off/on switch, leaving it in the II position the fifth time, then pushing the lock button on one remote, then on the other within 10 seconds. I was in the car with the door closed and suddenly the horn began honking. Went on forever and I couldn't stop it or start the car during this time.

    Can anyone tell me what I did wrong and why this should occur?

    Suzanne
    1995 850 Turbo








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    Keyless entry lousy, replace? what about alarm? pls help! 850

    posted by  acd483 on  Mon Sep 1 14:21 CST 2003
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    last visit: Sun Jun 3 02:06 CST 2001
    [RELATED]

    My keyless is lousy too. I'm usually a few feet away before I bother pushing the button. It usually works, but my biggest complaint is that they made my key fob perfectly symmetrical. I press the wrong button more than half the time, especially if it's in my pocket or turned upside down.
    I'm looking for a new solution too.
    --
    '94 855 2.4 Sportwagon

    Jet Black/Beige Leather . 5-spd . 16" Meteors . E-code lamps & sidemarkers








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    Keyless entry lousy, replace? what about alarm? pls help! 850

    posted by  cancerman on  Mon Sep 1 04:10 CST 2003
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    last visit: Sun Oct 7 17:36 CST 2007
    [RELATED]

    I would clean my fob inside and out, like others in this post have said. Someone also said you can nuzzle it under your chin while pressing the button to make your head into an antenna.

    If you really want to install another keyless system, I can suggest a couple things to consider.

    You'll notice that the alarm on your 850 enables and disables NOT ONLY with the keyless, but also with the key in either of the two front doors. It might be as simple as hooking your negative output lock and unlock signals into the door wiring harness. You will of course wish to look over your wiring diagrams.
    --

    -- Lucyen Gabbard
    96 854 Turbo 90k / 86 745 GLE 240k







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    Keyless entry lousy, replace? what about alarm? pls help! 850

    posted by  someone claiming to be Fake Name on  Sat Aug 30 13:33 CST 2003 [RELATED]

    Just replace the remote- typically the problem. I've taken them apart and cleaned the contacts with some sucess. eBay, about $50.








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      Keyless entry lousy, replace? what about alarm? pls help! 850

      posted by  Tim 850R on  Sat Aug 30 15:23 CST 2003
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      If I buy a used remote, can it be reprogrammed to work with my car? if so, would that be expensive? anyone know what they cost at the dealer?
      You said you have cleaned them - do you mind telling me how?

      tim@thurbers.net

      thanks all!

      -tim








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        Keyless entry lousy, replace? what about alarm? pls help! 850

        posted by  JBB on  Thu Sep 4 05:03 CST 2003
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        last visit: Mon Oct 3 11:48 CST 2011
        [RELATED]

        To program the remote, get in the car and shut the door. Cycle the ignition on and off 5 times, leaving it on the last time. Then push the 'open' button on the remote and hold it down a few seconds.

        Holding the remote under you chin during this process is optional.

        jbb
        '98 S70 GLT
        '96 854 Turbo








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        Keyless entry lousy, replace? what about alarm? pls help! 850

        posted by  someone claiming to be AlvinL on  Sun Aug 31 04:13 CST 2003 [RELATED]

        I had a similar problem like yours and found it to be the remote needed cleaning. Do you feel a 'click' on the remote button when you press on it? If not, try taking it apart and cleaning the electrical switch (buttons) with some drops of cleaning alcohol (isopropyl?) on the inside buttons. With the alcohol on the buttons, rapidly push and release the buttons until you feel a familiar click.

        I also read in the past about extending the range of the remote by using your head. It seems that by placing it just below your chin when actuating, you get a little more distance out of it. I was skeptical until I tried it. It seems the tops of our head makes a good antenna.








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          Keyless entry lousy, replace? what about alarm? pls help! 850

          posted by  cancerman on  Mon Sep 1 04:03 CST 2003
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          last visit: Sun Oct 7 17:36 CST 2007
          [RELATED]

          I thought you were going to tell me to put the fob to my head and push like I just don't care. I wonder who found out about this trick, and how.
          --

          -- Lucyen Gabbard
          96 854 Turbo 90k / 86 745 GLE 240k







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            Keyless entry lousy, replace? what about alarm? pls help! 850

            posted by  someone claiming to be Renroye on  Fri Sep 5 10:35 CST 2003 [RELATED]

            I heard about it years ago & the guys on car talk confirmed it with Professor from Harvard Physics dept.







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