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But I don't expect to have to replace a siren unit on a 6 or 7 year-old car.
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Sadly your expectations are not realistic when dealing with the Volvo siren unit. The unit is not a repairable item but the rechargeable battery sealed inside it has a life of about 6-7 years according to Varta who make them. If you are handy with a craft knife, drill and possibly a soldering iron you can buy the Varta battery as originally fitted and replace it for a fraction of the cost of the new siren unit that Volvo would have you buy.
The problem lies in the fact that the back up battery has to be protected from interference to maintain the security status of the alarm system and so the unit is sealed with no open/close system but there is no battery which will last the lifetime of the car. It's not a plot by Volvo but it is an expensive predictable nuisance. Mine failed after only three years and the Volvo dealer who sold me the car replaced it fee of charge under the Volvo Selekt warranty but 6-7 years isn't going to get you any special treatment.