S60 - Alarm problems - won't stop

wgb · Mar 9th, 2017, 11:25

Hi,
I've had a message 'Alarm System Service Required' go off on my 2004 S60. Now there is a low-volume buzz coming from the front right side of the car - it's not the loud alarm proper, just a low buzzing sound that's just loud enough to annoy anyone within 200 feet of the car. The only way to stop it is to disconnect the battery. The alarm itself no longer works - when I lock the doors with the key fob there is no 'beep'.

I've removed a fuse that was recommended on another forum to no avail. I'd like to get an opinion here before taking the car to the shop and having to pay another $1000 for repairs (the standard price for anything on this car since it has 197K miles). Also, is a 2008 model S60 siginificantly different than a 2004? There are many features of this car I really like but as I'm not mechanically inclined the maintenance costs are becoming prohibitive.

Thanks in advance!

Simon Jones · Mar 9th, 2017, 12:26

It sounds like the alarm siren is finally dying. If you've removed the correct fuse, it will eventually shut up once the built in battery is flat. The cheapest solution is to pull back the plastic inner wheel arch liner, access the alarm & unplug the connector. You can do this yourself with basic tools, but if you're going to pay someone else, it would probably an hours labour charge. This will leave you with the Alarm Service Required message until such point as a working replacement siren is fitted.

Worth informing your insurer that your alarm is not functioning just in case you ever need to claim for a break-in.

2008 S60 would be a P3 model which is completely different to a 2004 P2 model. It's more Ford than Volvo but still a great car.

wgb · Mar 9th, 2017, 16:14

"2008 S60 would be a P3 model which is completely different to a 2004 P2 model. It's more Ford than Volvo but still a great car."

Thanks for the quick reply. What's the difference between P2 and P3 models? And is 'more of a Ford' a bad thing? If so, why? If it's more of a Ford shouldn't I just buy a Mercury for a lot less money (I don't want to - just a rhetorical question)

cheshired5 · Mar 9th, 2017, 16:53

Quote:

Originally Posted by Simon Jones

2008 S60 would be a P3 model which is completely different to a 2004 P2 model.

It isn't.
A 2008 S60 is still a P2 so in many ways the same as a 2004.

The newer shape S60 wasn't until 2010 and even then isn't a P3 platform as it's a variation on the V60 and XC60.

Simon Jones · Mar 9th, 2017, 23:33

Yeah, you've got a point. P2 was 2000 - 2009 for S60 whereas it's 2000 - 2007 for V/XC70. Ignore my previous reply unless you were thinking about getting a 2008 V/XC70

Mar 9th, 2017, 11:25	#1
wgb New Member Last Online: Mar 9th, 2017 16:14 Join Date: Mar 2017 Location: austin	Alarm problems - won't stop Hi, I've had a message 'Alarm System Service Required' go off on my 2004 S60. Now there is a low-volume buzz coming from the front right side of the car - it's not the loud alarm proper, just a low buzzing sound that's just loud enough to annoy anyone within 200 feet of the car. The only way to stop it is to disconnect the battery. The alarm itself no longer works - when I lock the doors with the key fob there is no 'beep'. I've removed a fuse that was recommended on another forum to no avail. I'd like to get an opinion here before taking the car to the shop and having to pay another $1000 for repairs (the standard price for anything on this car since it has 197K miles). Also, is a 2008 model S60 siginificantly different than a 2004? There are many features of this car I really like but as I'm not mechanically inclined the maintenance costs are becoming prohibitive. Thanks in advance!

Mar 9th, 2017, 12:26	#2
Simon Jones Premier Member Last Online: Jan 15th, 2022 11:23 Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Salisbury (ish)	It sounds like the alarm siren is finally dying. If you've removed the correct fuse, it will eventually shut up once the built in battery is flat. The cheapest solution is to pull back the plastic inner wheel arch liner, access the alarm & unplug the connector. You can do this yourself with basic tools, but if you're going to pay someone else, it would probably an hours labour charge. This will leave you with the Alarm Service Required message until such point as a working replacement siren is fitted. Worth informing your insurer that your alarm is not functioning just in case you ever need to claim for a break-in. 2008 S60 would be a P3 model which is completely different to a 2004 P2 model. It's more Ford than Volvo but still a great car. Last edited by Simon Jones; Mar 9th, 2017 at 12:30.

Mar 9th, 2017, 16:14	#3
wgb New Member Last Online: Mar 9th, 2017 16:14 Join Date: Mar 2017 Location: austin	P3 vs. P2 model? "2008 S60 would be a P3 model which is completely different to a 2004 P2 model. It's more Ford than Volvo but still a great car." Thanks for the quick reply. What's the difference between P2 and P3 models? And is 'more of a Ford' a bad thing? If so, why? If it's more of a Ford shouldn't I just buy a Mercury for a lot less money (I don't want to - just a rhetorical question)

Mar 9th, 2017, 23:33	#5
Simon Jones Premier Member Last Online: Jan 15th, 2022 11:23 Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Salisbury (ish)	Yeah, you've got a point. P2 was 2000 - 2009 for S60 whereas it's 2000 - 2007 for V/XC70. Ignore my previous reply unless you were thinking about getting a 2008 V/XC70

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