Volvo XC60 Door Lock Problems: Main Reasons and Solutions

Are you having trouble operating your Volvo XC60 door locks? You are not alone. Many XC60 owners told us about their issues with the vehicle door lock system.

Despite having one of the best locksmithing systems in the automotive industry, the Volvo XC60 door locks have been notorious for having problems with one of the most critical technologies in automotive security.

As we all know, having one malfunctioning door lock means replacing the other ones in the vehicle. However, not all problems with your door locks do not necessarily need replacement. You can fix some of these problems by yourself.

In this article, we summarized the common door lock problems in Volvo XC60, the causes, and how to fix them.

The Volvo XC60 Door Locking System

The XC60 Door Locking System has one of the most complex and advanced locking systems in its lines. It composes of electronic and mechanical components with a well-developed engineering and comprehensive design.

The car comes with a smart key that unlocks the door by pushing the button of the keyfob. 

You can also use the key for remote operations. They include unlocking or locking the door or turning the engine on from the inside and outside. Also, it comes equipped with reliable deadbolt locks and tamper-proof screws.

To add up, here is the summary of Volvo XC60 door locking features:

• Keyless entry
• Central locking
• Child safety lock
• Panic alarm
• Remote door locking
• Anti-theft

But despite the innovation, the system may not always be perfect and still come with problems.

Common Door Locks Problems in Volvo XC60

1) Frozen door locks

Most drivers know winter could cause many problems in their car, including a frozen door lock. In Volvo XC60, door locks can get frozen because of low temperatures. It could prevent your door from unlocking or storing keyless entry codes during this time.

Aside from low temperatures, another reason why door locks become unresponsive is it is not sealed properly. In this condition, the cold air could penetrate the locking system and freeze the unsealed parts of the locking cylinder.

If you have a frozen door lock, you can apply heat to help defrost the ice. Use a heat gun or dryer for this job.

If there's a loosening mechanism, use a WD-40 or graphite powder for lubrication.

2) The door lock doesn't unlock or lock

Having a door that is not locking or unlocking could be frustrating.

Imagine being unable to unlock your door from the inside or your passenger could not get in because you cannot open the passenger door.

It could cause unnecessary delays and costly repairs.

And when this event happens, it could mean electrical or mechanical issues. Here are the possible reasons why your door is difficult to lock or unlock:

3) Faulty door latch

Having a faulty door latch in your XC60 can be a safety concern. One, it may cause things or people to get into your vehicle without you knowing. In most cases, a faulty latch would make it difficult to keep the car door closed. Second, getting in and out of the vehicle could be troublesome with a faulty door latch.

The common cause of having a defective door latch is wear and tear. A loose or corroded latch may be irreparable and may need replacement. If the latch is still in good shape but is still faulty, it could have a misaligned latch mechanism. For a misaligned latch mechanism, you need to readjust it to realign. You can make a visual inspection to see if you have a malfunctioning door latch and to inspect it visually. Check for damage or corrosion. Check its mechanism. It should be opening and closing smoothly.

4) Dead car battery

The Volvo XC60 locking system relies on a constant source of power. This system communicates with the Central Electronic Module (CEM), which also heavily relies on the power supplied by a 12V battery.

The computer, including the locking system, will not work without the power supply.

One thing you can do to check your battery is to get under the hood and look for signs of corrosion or dirt build-up. Having one can loosen or cause intermittent connection, affecting the power transmission. Use a wire brush and baking soda to remove and test it for voltage. Use a multimeter or a voltmeter for this job. If the voltage is below 12 volts, you have a dead battery.

5) Faulty door lock actuator

A faulty door lock actuator is one of the common causes of why the XC60 door does not open or lock.

The door lock actuator is a crucial part of the locking mechanism. It composes of gears, an electronic motor, and wires that communicate with the central computer to lock and unlock the door. This component activates the locking mechanism when the actuator receives the signal using the power lock button. With a defective door lock actuator, you may have trouble engaging the latch for locking or unlocking the door, or it may not respond at all.

Also, the actuator activates the XC60's alarm system in the event of unauthorized entry. If this component is working, your vehicle's security is at risk.

A faulty door lock actuator arises from different reasons, such as worn-out gears, poor connections, damaged wirings, low voltage, a damaged sensor, and a damaged motor.

6) Wiring connection problems

The locking mechanism of the Volvo XC60 composes various electrical components. The constant opening and locking of the door can cause the wires to become loose, making it difficult to transmit power to the parts and components.

Wiring connection problems can interrupt the communication between the locking mechanism and the computer. The biggest culprit in wire connections is corroded wires.

Another problem with connections is broken wires. Faulty components such as relays or switches can also affect the function of wires in the locking system.

To identify the affected wire, you can start visually inspecting and testing the wiring harness. Next, inspect components such as the door lock actuator, switches, and relays. Lastly, check for a blown fuse. Replace the affected part and test your door lock again.

7) Broken lock cylinder

The lock cylinder takes the key when inserted. It would be difficult or impossible to open your car door when this mechanical part is broken. Another issue with a broken door lock cylinder is when it prevents the key from entering the slot. Or, it may insert the key smoothly but fail to rotate it.

Also, a broken lock cylinder can keep the door open but prevent it from getting locked. All these possibilities come with a broken lock cylinder. This condition would make your car security more vulnerable to theft. The only way to solve this problem is to replace the door lock cylinder.

8) Malfunctioning key fob

The keyfob controls the locking mechanism in Volvo XC60, especially for remote operation. When the keyfob is malfunctioning, you may experience trouble starting the engine or unlocking the door, or it could be unresponsive.

Here are the possible reasons why the keyfob is malfunctioning:

• Its battery must have been dead. Replace it.
• There could be signal interference between the keyfob and the receiver module. Try different locations when pressing the button. Or if the keyfob only works when you are near the door, the battery must have been weak. Also, wireless devices can interfere with the signals sent to the computer.
• The keyfob must have damaged wiring or an internal circuit.

After replacing your battery and the keyfob still does not communicate with the vehicle's computer or immobilizer system, bring your vehicle to the Volvo dealership for proper diagnosis and repair. 

How to Diagnose Door Lock Problems?

It is not easy to find the cause of the door locks problem on the Volvo XC60 because of the many possible causes. Here is where you can start looking for the problem:

• Inspect your door locking mechanism. Look for any damaged parts or signs of wear and tear in the lock mechanism, especially the latch. Also, check if the door lock actuator is in place.
• Inspect the electrical connections. Check if the wire connections are secure. Look for any signs of corrosion. Ensure that there are no broken wires to keep them from transmitting power.
• Test your vehicle door lock switch. Take the door lock switch from its mounting bracket on the driver-side door. Make sure the ignition is off. Use a multimeter to connect its ends to the ground terminal and the other to the power terminal. Test for its Ohm reading. If it turns out of its range, you need to replace it.
• Check the fuse box. You may find the fuse box near the battery. Turn off your engine and open the hood. You can easily spot a blown-up fuse because of burnt spots. Or, you can test the continuity of your fuse box using a multimeter. The only way to fix a blown fuse is to replace it.
• Check the wiring harness. The wiring harness connecting the door lock and its other security components should not have exposed or frayed wires, corrosion, or burnt insulation. Check them on the connectors, pins, and terminals.
• Inspect the door lock actuator. The actuator should have no cracks, rust, or loose components. It should have a good wiring connection. Test its voltage and current with a multimeter and ensure they come within the manufacturer's recommended range.
• Check your door lock button. Check it by the driver's side for cracks or any signs of damage. Ensure that it locks securely on the door. You should be able to push it smoothly. Also, do not forget to check the vehicle's computer. All connecting parts between the computer and the door lock should be held securely.

Final Thoughts

The door lock of your Volvo XC60 is a crucial system for security and safety. When any of its parts are damaged or faulty, it will affect the entire system's performance. This event can be frustrating, especially if you have scheduled meetings or appointments.

It can cause delays and costly repairs. The first thing you should do when you find troublesome operating is to find the part with issues. Follow our recommended diagnosis. And if you're not comfortable with the system's electronics, you can always seek professional help.