How to Replace the Alarm Siren Module

[swedishandgerman]

Yes - it's a 2001 V70. But as far as I know, the siren is the same on all

[RaVolvoR]

Thanks guys, these forums are a real life saver. My V70 2003 se 2wd auto alarm had done all the misbehaving listed, going off at random, then no sound, then sunroof stopped working... etc

Bought Alarm kit via Rufe (thanks very much - excellent service) a month ago, not able to find time until this morning. Swapped it out in a bout an hour following the threads on here and Bingo!

Alarm works, sunroof works, annoying messages all gone. FANTASTIC!

Only downer was I found a screw slap in the middle of the tyre.... but even that could have deflated at speed later in the day if I hadn't done this alarm work, so thats one more thing I owe this forum.

Keep up the good knowledge base - soon Volvo will come asking here for advice!

[Nick44]

Thank you swedishandgerman for a great post.
I followed your instructions to the letter to cure the same problem, but i got a little braver, and following another thread dissambled the module.
The thread I had looked at suggested that the heart of the problem was that the back-up battery within the module had failed, and that there could be a fix by simply changing out the lithium battery, but be warned if the battery has leaked, forget it.
Nothing ventured, nothing gained, so I opened the unit up.
Sure enough the battery had leaked everywhere, corroding through the electronic parts and eating all the copper tracks. Pics attached.
If it goes home, just replace it.
And be carefull if you open it, and have some bi-carbonate of soda to hand if you do.

Note in first picture that the negative wire has compeletly corroded away from the lithium battery.

[Mikeetubster]

Hi Guys,

I have something similar to this, I have an "Alarm system service required" message on my '53 V70. I've tested alarm and the lights flashed, but no sound, so I'm assuming it's the siren that's gone. My concern is that I'm told I need to get the siren kit replaced by Volvo as they need to re-code the alarm, is this the case or can I just buy the kit and replace?

Another concern I have is that I'm driving down to Cornwall in a couple of days, will this issue cause any other problems? If the issue is leaking batteries then could it affect the immobiliser (if there is one). I can take the fuse out, and it doesn't appear to affect any other electrics. Very nervy about something happening While I'm 300 miles from home.

Cheers

[V70RMW]

I first got the Alarm System Failed message 2 years ago and have done precisely nothing about it. The immobiliser is an engine management system function I think and so should not be affected.

I've had no problems, other than the message come up every time the car is started - although I did remove the fuse a few months ago due to rumours that the car continually trying to contact a duff alarm unit might drain the battery.

I think the re-coding issue is probably just a scare tactic as I've not seen anyone post that this has actually been necessary.

[swedishandgerman]

Mine didn't display any fault message on the dashboard when it went wrong. But I've read elsewhere that you don't need to get it re-set; the message will just go out when you have a fully working siren and the fuse is back in the hole.

I'm sure you don't have to get the job done by Volvo. Honestly, it's such an easy DIY job. Really, really easy to do.

[Mikeetubster]

Thanks guys,

Had a feeling it was Mr. Volvo picking my pocket. From what I've read it does look simple, so I'll do it when I return from Cornwall. But I'll keep the fuse out just to be on the safe side.
Where would be the best place to buy the siren kit?

[swedishandgerman]

I got mine from my local Volvo dealer and paid £81 having asked for ssome discount. I guess it's something that goes wrong frequently as it was off the shelf!

I notice others have bought from Rufe at FRF in Swansea.

[Nick44]

Originally Posted by swedishandgerman

I got mine from my local Volvo dealer and paid £81 having asked for ssome discount. I guess it's something that goes wrong frequently as it was off the shelf!

I notice others have bought from Rufe at FRF in Swansea.

I bought mine from Rufe @ FRF.

To V70RMW, yes that's to same as mine, but as Mrs Nick44 is the main driver and she whinges incessantly about any messages, the whinge eventually became more irritating than the message.

With Swedishandgermans excellent "how to" it was a very easy job with the added beneift that Mrs Nick44 had to go out and leave me in peace while I did it.

[winkie 23]

My siren did not work at all. Got a replacement kit from Rufe [excellent service] replaced the siren, without disconnecting the battery, and on completion the message was gone and the siren now works. I was also getting the emission service message [after filling up with the new Shell unleaded] I added injector cleaner to the next full tank and the message disappeared. Fingers crossed it stays that way. Both messages cme on at almost exactly 120000 miles and 10 years mark.

2000 new shape v70