Alarm System Service Required Message

[Bodgingbiker]

I have owned my XC70 for 2 years and, recently started getting the dreaded "Alarm System Service Required" message.

After much reading around, I have replaced the battery in the key, fitted a new Volvo alarm siren, and also checked the appropriate fuse. All pretty straight forward; the new alarm siren works, but I am still getting the "Alarm System Service Required" message.

Have I missed something, or is there anything else I need to check before I assume the new siren battery is a dud and send it back?

Cheers,

Kit

[MoeB]

I believe that the new siren needs to be paired to the car using VIDA.

[Bodgingbiker]

That's a pain! From everything I'd read, I thought it was just a matter of fitting the new alarm siren. It also seems strange that Volvo will sell you a new alarm siren, to fit yourself, and not tell you that they need to set it up to work properly!

[AKAMick]

I believe that the new siren needs to be paired to the car using VIDA.

No it does not, done it myself, plug and play

[Willy]

No it does not, done it myself, plug and play

Yes, so did I (in a MY2004).
Although the siren module is what often fails, there is of course (a lot) more to the alarm than that.
Perhaps it is possible to simulate some conditions in an attempt to find a situation in which the
alarm isn't triggered while it should. That could possibly lead to a failed sensor.
Willy

[perkinscl]

Maybe it needs the code cleared in VIDA?

[Willy]

Maybe it needs the code cleared in VIDA?

I can't remember any clearing of code(s) was needed. I assume that if a number
of runs without errors have taken place, the code would go away by itself.

[pbierre]

What happens if you set off the alarm by pressing the panic button on the key fob for 3 sec duration? Does the siren sound?...lights flash?
You should then be able to turn the alarm off by pressing any other key on the fob, or putting the key in the driver's door. It takes 5 sec to stop.

These are sensors monitored when the alarm is "armed":
* The hood is forced open
* Tailgate is forced open
*any door is forced open
* ignition switch is tampered with
* battery disconnected while the alarm is armed
* (a few others -- see Owners Manual)

Make sure the panic button on the key fob is not sticking in the "on" position.

There could be a radio signal in the environment that is on continuously and confusing the drivers door radio receiver. Have you noticed the same problem
when your car is in different locations?

[MoeB]

No it does not, done it myself, plug and play

I stand corrected. I'd read it somewhere (Howard's Volvo site maybe?) but obviously it's not needed.

Did your "service required" message go away on its own?

[AKAMick]

I replaced the alarm unit and did the key cycle (5 open and close ) in the drivers door and the system cleared, the panic button on my fob sets the car horn off, rather than the alarm