These instructions apply to the Volvo XC40 Mk1 (536) 2017-present.
For other models, please choose your vehicle here.
Volvo XC40 (2017–Present) uses Volvo’s Keyless Drive remote with a twist START knob rather than a push button. When the fob’s CR2032 battery dies the car can no longer detect the key from your pocket, but the XC40 has a backup reader built into the front cupholder that energises the key by induction, so a flat fob is rarely a reason to call for help.
You will usually see a “Key battery low” message on the driver display in the days before the cell quits. Treat it as your prompt to fit a fresh CR2032 rather than waiting to be stranded.
Starting the XC40 with a dead key fob
- Unlock and get into the car using the emergency key blade (see below).
- Sit in the driver’s seat and press the brake pedal firmly.
- Lift the rubber mat in the front cupholder of the tunnel console to expose the small key symbol at the bottom — this is the backup reader.
- Lay the remote flat on that symbol so the key sits over the reader coil.
- Keeping the brake pressed, twist the START knob clockwise and release it. The car reads the key through the cupholder and the engine (or hybrid system) starts.
- Leave it running until you have replaced the battery, since the car may not re-detect a dead key to restart it.
Unlocking the door with the emergency key
- Slide the catch on the back of the remote and pull the metal emergency key blade free.
- Go to the driver’s door. The keyhole is hidden behind a cover at the rear edge of the door handle.
- Insert the tip of the blade into the slot on the underside of the cover and prise the cover off to expose the lock barrel.
- Insert the blade, turn to unlock, then refit the handle cover.
- Opening the door this way may trigger the alarm; it stops once you start the car with the key on the cupholder reader.
How the cupholder backup reader works
The XC40 remote contains a battery-powered radio for the lock and unlock buttons plus a separate passive transponder for the immobiliser. The cupholder reader generates a small magnetic field that powers that transponder directly, so it can confirm the key’s security code even with no usable battery. That is why a completely flat fob still starts the car from the cupholder but can no longer lock or unlock it remotely.
Replacing the key fob battery
The XC40 remote uses a single CR2032 3V lithium coin cell. Avoid rechargeable cells — their lower 1.2V output upsets the fob.
- Pull out the emergency key blade to release the rear cover.
- Slide the cover off and twist the round battery cap anticlockwise with a coin to open it.
- Lift out the old CR2032 and fit the new one with the positive (+) side facing up.
- Refit the cap, turn it clockwise to lock, and clip the cover back on.
- Reinsert the blade. The low-battery message clears at the next start.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the backup reader on the XC40? At the bottom of the front cupholder in the tunnel console. Lift the rubber mat to find the key symbol and lay the remote on it.
Why does the XC40 use a twist knob instead of a start button? Volvo fitted a rotary START control on the SPA platform. With a dead fob you still place the key in the cupholder, then twist the knob with the brake pressed.
Can the emergency key start the engine? No. The blade only unlocks the driver’s door. The remote must be on the cupholder reader for the car to start.
What battery does the XC40 fob take? A CR2032 3V lithium coin cell, available in any supermarket.
Why is the door keyhole hidden? Volvo conceals it behind a cover on the rear of the driver’s-door handle for a cleaner look; prise the cover off with the blade to reach it.
If a warning light or stored fault code appears after the fob goes flat, you can look it up on autodtcs.com.
Independent guide — not affiliated with Volvo. Always follow your official service manual and safety precautions. Read our full disclaimer.