THANKS so much for this!! Ive looked everywhere to try and find someone who's done a video on this and no one has yet but you!! This just popped up on my 2017 xc90 momentum. I will be saving $$$$ with this video! Thank You ❤️
Glad to help. The repair costs at the dealer are crazy, but they have the average guy trapped because we can't afford a $2,000 diagnostic tool for a single repair. Then you still need to go to them for the software updates! Let me know how you make out.
@@BassHeadzDJ They probably did the required software update according to the service bulletin, but that should have only cost between $70 and $100. I'd complain to the service manager.
Great video, thanks! Mine has started with the warning light. I can’t help but feel it’s a bit of a Volvo facepalm moment to make it such a pain to ultimately replace a battery that should take less than 5 minutes.
Yeah, on the sedans (S90/S60) it's a 5 to 10 minute job, as the battery is on the floor between the spare tire well and the rear seats. Just pull up the carpet and the VCM is right there. The SUVs are a pain!
No, no need to disconnect the main battery. The VCM battery provides power when the car is turned off, so as long as the car is off it won't draw from the main battery.
Hello. Some mechanics say that leaving this problem unattended may lead to complications with the communication module, replacement of which could climb to 1.5k if not more. If the battery is replaced but the software not updated as many suggest to (the warning message pops up each time you start the car), could this still lead to the complications with the communication module regardless?
The best approach is to replace the VCM battery and get the software update from the dealer. My dealer indicated that I didn't really need to replace the battery, and I would just not have back-up when the main battery was off. I've seen other posts about damage to the VCM if you don't replace the battery and software, but I don't know if they are true.
Hi there, i have a v90 with the ON CALL SERVICE REQUIRED. coning up. It only seemed to pop up when i didnt renew my on call subscription. Anyway ive renewed that and still on dash! Thing is its only 4 years old so how come if it is the battery its showing prior to the 8 years these batteries are suggested to last? I can say i dont use my volvo much as i do have other cars,maybe its died from lack of charge? So i can change it still but seems premature, any ideas, great video btw
If your still under the 5 year warranty the dealer will do this repair for free. If you are outside the warranty then you will need to replace the VCM battery and get the software update from the dealer. The battery usually fails at about 6 years, but the alert to change will still come on at 8 years unless you get the software update.
Hello. I noticed that your message alerting about the battery disappeared. I recently serviced my Volvo xc90, d5, powerpulse in Volvo dealer (UK). They updated the software as part of the service but highlighted the VCM battery problem quoting me stupid price to change it. If I change it myself following your video, would I still need a software update from Volvo after? Thank you.
No, just change the battery when "On Call Service Required" light comes on. Usually occurs when the car is about 6 years old. The software update just helps the battery last longer.
Thanks! I bought from this company on eBay: www.ebay.com/itm/305130559187 New Genuine Volvo Auxiliary Battery (2017-2022) OE 31450445 I think it's the same for the XC90 and XC60, but eBay has a vehicle compatibility tool you can use to make sure it fits. Good luck!
@@nazarnachtigall1413 You can look up the battery at any dealer parts website, it's usually called the VCM battery, but sometimes also the auxiliary battery. The parts desk will help you out!
What are the consequences of not replacing the vcm battery? Can it be done at a service shop, or is it dealership only? Cant find the cost of it online anywhere.
You don't have to replace the VCM battery, the On Call will still work as long as the main battery is on. However, the down side is the annoying light on the dash board, and the loss of back-up to the main battery when the car is turned off or if the main battery is rendered useless in an accident. Regarding replacement, anyone can replace the battery, however only the dealer can do the software update. The battery is generally available at the dealer and online at eBay or sites like FCP (Foreign Car Parts). There is additional detail in the text included with the video.
@quietcornertrailcam thank you for responding. I got the notification on the dash board AFTER the dealer updated my software (wasn't the reason why I took it in, but was part of the service I got). In that case, I would just need the replacement (based on my understanding). Problem is dealer wants to charge $500. My nearest auto repair shop can't do it, so im gonna have to keep calling and researching other shops. If I'm gonna do it myself, I'm gonna have to find a good day to do it. I got a busy schedule (hence why I go to shops)
@@TheoryofUltran It takes about and hour, but make sure you have the right tools, especially a guitar pick or panel removal tool to for the upper D pillar cover, you don't want to damage it with the tip of a screw driver.
I got service in volvo xc90 week ago and service sed I want to change vcm batterys, everything working well and today change my self this small battery, but anyway still showing on screen, What's hapen 😮 ?
Also, sometimes it's another problem, like a damaged speaker, wires chewed by a rodent, or other mishap. But mostly, it's the VCM battery and software update.
Is it only a dealer you need to get the software update from or you can do it yourself? My local garage when quoted me for the job, among all the things he mentioned she said "and €15 for the software update ". I know volvo can connect via WiFi ,no OBD is required. Please advise
@@quietcornertrailcam Is the software update for the battery a specific update to the battery software or the overall car's software? I get the car's software updated every year during service. I am going to change the battery myself, but want to know if I need request a specific software update for the battery or if it is already covered when my car's software is updated (last update a month ago). Thanks!
@@jsamchok The VCM has a specific update that came out in April 2024. If your car was serviced after that they probably did the update, but would have also recommended a new VCM battery. My guess is that you will need the software update after you replace the battery, It's another $70 to $100.
I’ve replaced the battery and my dang “on call service required,” light is still on. Volvo wants $250 to service even though the new battery is in…2018 S90 T6.
THANKS so much for this!! Ive looked everywhere to try and find someone who's done a video on this and no one has yet but you!! This just popped up on my 2017 xc90 momentum. I will be saving $$$$ with this video! Thank You ❤️
Glad to help.
The repair costs at the dealer are crazy, but they have the average guy trapped because we can't afford a $2,000 diagnostic tool for a single repair. Then you still need to go to them for the software updates!
Let me know how you make out.
I was charged $250 for the 15min OBD2 scanner update to tell the S90 to recognize and charge the new VCM battery.
@@BassHeadzDJ They probably did the required software update according to the service bulletin, but that should have only cost between $70 and $100. I'd complain to the service manager.
Thank you for the video. It saved me so much money. Very thorough
Glad to help!
Volvo service is good, but very expensive.
Great video, thanks! Mine has started with the warning light.
I can’t help but feel it’s a bit of a Volvo facepalm moment to make it such a pain to ultimately replace a battery that should take less than 5 minutes.
Yeah, on the sedans (S90/S60) it's a 5 to 10 minute job, as the battery is on the floor between the spare tire well and the rear seats. Just pull up the carpet and the VCM is right there. The SUVs are a pain!
Hi.
Did you do a software update after you replacing your battery (on the video)?
Yes, I replaced the battery, then did the software update a few weeks later when I went in for my annual servicing.
Quick question please, did you disconnect the main battery when you did this?
No, no need to disconnect the main battery. The VCM battery provides power when the car is turned off, so as long as the car is off it won't draw from the main battery.
Hello.
Some mechanics say that leaving this problem unattended may lead to complications with the communication module, replacement of which could climb to 1.5k if not more.
If the battery is replaced but the software not updated as many suggest to (the warning message pops up each time you start the car), could this still lead to the complications with the communication module regardless?
The best approach is to replace the VCM battery and get the software update from the dealer.
My dealer indicated that I didn't really need to replace the battery, and I would just not have back-up when the main battery was off.
I've seen other posts about damage to the VCM if you don't replace the battery and software, but I don't know if they are true.
Hi there, i have a v90 with the ON CALL SERVICE REQUIRED. coning up. It only seemed to pop up when i didnt renew my on call subscription. Anyway ive renewed that and still on dash! Thing is its only 4 years old so how come if it is the battery its showing prior to the 8 years these batteries are suggested to last? I can say i dont use my volvo much as i do have other cars,maybe its died from lack of charge? So i can change it still but seems premature, any ideas, great video btw
If your still under the 5 year warranty the dealer will do this repair for free. If you are outside the warranty then you will need to replace the VCM battery and get the software update from the dealer. The battery usually fails at about 6 years, but the alert to change will still come on at 8 years unless you get the software update.
I see, I'm not sure if its under warranty as I purchased it with select but I think that warranty ended a year ago unfortunately
@JWhit-k1r The warranty is 5 years or 50,000 miles, whichever comes first.
@quietcornertrailcam even if I purchased the car second hand? Thanks for replying 🙂
@JWhit-k1r I'm pretty sure the warranty goes with the car. Ask your dealer to be sure.
Thank you.!!
Glad to help!
So this is not the module for the 4g modem in the back right?
The Vehicle Connectivity Module (VCM) is the big black box in the video and does the On Star and 4G communications. The battery is inside the box.
Hello.
I noticed that your message alerting about the battery disappeared. I recently serviced my Volvo xc90, d5, powerpulse in Volvo dealer (UK). They updated the software as part of the service but highlighted the VCM battery problem quoting me stupid price to change it. If I change it myself following your video, would I still need a software update from Volvo after?
Thank you.
No, just change the battery when "On Call Service Required" light comes on. Usually occurs when the car is about 6 years old.
The software update just helps the battery last longer.
thank you for the video great job, do you have link for battery ? or part number . thanks
Thanks!
I bought from this company on eBay:
www.ebay.com/itm/305130559187
New Genuine Volvo Auxiliary Battery (2017-2022) OE 31450445
I think it's the same for the XC90 and XC60, but eBay has a vehicle compatibility tool you can use to make sure it fits.
Good luck!
Is it the same for diesel D5 powerpulse 2017?
@@nazarnachtigall1413 You can look up the battery at any dealer parts website, it's usually called the VCM battery, but sometimes also the auxiliary battery. The parts desk will help you out!
Wow great video - how long did it take?
Thanks, about an hour from start to finish.
It might take you a little less time if you follow the video closely.
Do you have the subscription active?
No, you can let it lapse. Mine was inactive and the fix worked!
What are the consequences of not replacing the vcm battery? Can it be done at a service shop, or is it dealership only? Cant find the cost of it online anywhere.
You don't have to replace the VCM battery, the On Call will still work as long as the main battery is on. However, the down side is the annoying light on the dash board, and the loss of back-up to the main battery when the car is turned off or if the main battery is rendered useless in an accident.
Regarding replacement, anyone can replace the battery, however only the dealer can do the software update. The battery is generally available at the dealer and online at eBay or sites like FCP (Foreign Car Parts).
There is additional detail in the text included with the video.
@quietcornertrailcam thank you for responding. I got the notification on the dash board AFTER the dealer updated my software (wasn't the reason why I took it in, but was part of the service I got). In that case, I would just need the replacement (based on my understanding). Problem is dealer wants to charge $500. My nearest auto repair shop can't do it, so im gonna have to keep calling and researching other shops.
If I'm gonna do it myself, I'm gonna have to find a good day to do it. I got a busy schedule (hence why I go to shops)
I just keep clearing the message on my dash as soon as I start the car. I'm so glad I won't have to go to the stealership now 😂
@@TheoryofUltran It takes about and hour, but make sure you have the right tools, especially a guitar pick or panel removal tool to for the upper D pillar cover, you don't want to damage it with the tip of a screw driver.
@@candicesmith2581 That's the spirit!
I got service in volvo xc90 week ago and service sed I want to change vcm batterys, everything working well and today change my self this small battery, but anyway still showing on screen, What's hapen 😮 ?
What you recommend for me ?
Sometime you also need the software update to get the light to go off.
Also, sometimes it's another problem, like a damaged speaker, wires chewed by a rodent, or other mishap. But mostly, it's the VCM battery and software update.
So just replacing the battery ”deleted” the service-message? No need to hook the car up to any computer/reader?
Yes, just replace the battery.
You should also get the software update from the dealer to prevent premature battery failure in the future.
Is it only a dealer you need to get the software update from or you can do it yourself? My local garage when quoted me for the job, among all the things he mentioned she said "and €15 for the software update ".
I know volvo can connect via WiFi ,no OBD is required.
Please advise
@@nazarnachtigall1413 That's a great deal on the software update, just have them do it.
@@quietcornertrailcam Is the software update for the battery a specific update to the battery software or the overall car's software? I get the car's software updated every year during service. I am going to change the battery myself, but want to know if I need request a specific software update for the battery or if it is already covered when my car's software is updated (last update a month ago). Thanks!
@@jsamchok The VCM has a specific update that came out in April 2024. If your car was serviced after that they probably did the update, but would have also recommended a new VCM battery. My guess is that you will need the software update after you replace the battery, It's another $70 to $100.
I’ve replaced the battery and my dang “on call service required,” light is still on. Volvo wants $250 to service even though the new battery is in…2018 S90 T6.
You probably need the software update also, Volvo gets anywhere from $70 to $100 for that.