Imagine stepping into your Volvo XC90 on a sweltering summer day or a frigid winter morning, only to be greeted by the perfect cabin temperature. This isn’t just a dream; it’s the reality offered by the remote start feature, a fantastic convenience, especially when activated using the approach light button on your Volvo XC90 key fob. Remote start enhances your driving experience, ensuring comfort and safety right from the moment you get in.
If you’re exploring the capabilities of your Volvo XC90, understanding the remote start feature, particularly how to use it with your key fob and the approach light button, is essential. This guide will delve into the specifics of using the approach light button for remote start on your Volvo XC90, ensuring you can effortlessly pre-condition your vehicle for optimal comfort.
Volvo XC90 Remote Start and the Key Fob: Your Approach Light Button Guide
The Volvo XC90 is indeed equipped with a remote start function, and one of the most convenient ways to access it is through your key fob. While the Volvo Cars app provides another avenue for remote starting, the key fob offers quick, on-the-go activation. A key component of this key fob activation is the approach light button.
Understanding the Approach Light Button on Your Volvo Key Fob
The approach light button on your Volvo XC90 key fob is not solely for illuminating your path to the car in the dark. It serves a dual purpose, acting as a crucial activator for the remote start feature. Often depicted by a symbol of light rays emanating outwards, this button, when used in conjunction with the lock button, initiates the engine remote start (ERS) sequence.
Using the approach light button for remote start is designed for ease and speed. It allows you to start your car without needing your smartphone, making it incredibly useful in situations where grabbing your phone might be less convenient than reaching for your key fob.
Activating Volvo XC90 Remote Start with the Approach Light Button: A Step-by-Step Guide
To make the most of your Volvo XC90’s remote start using the key fob and approach light button, follow these simple steps:
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Preparation is Key: Before initiating remote start, ensure your Volvo XC90 is parked safely, the transmission is in the ‘Park’ position, and all doors are securely locked. This is crucial for safety and for the system to activate correctly.
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Initiate the Sequence: Begin by pressing the ‘Lock’ button on your Volvo XC90 key fob. This action first confirms that your vehicle is securely locked and ready for remote start.
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Engage the Approach Light Button: Immediately after pressing the ‘Lock’ button, press and hold the Approach Light button for at least two seconds. This hold is important as a quick press might only activate the approach lights, not the remote start.
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Confirmation Signals: Upon successful activation, your Volvo XC90 will signal that the Engine Remote Start (ERS) process has begun. Typically, this confirmation comes in the form of the vehicle’s turn signals flashing. This visual cue assures you that your command has been received and the engine is starting remotely.
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Engine Start and Climate Control: Once activated, the engine of your Volvo XC90 will start, and the climate control system will engage. This system will work to pre-heat or pre-cool your car based on your last climate control settings, ensuring a comfortable cabin environment awaits you.
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Duration of Remote Start: The Volvo XC90’s remote start, when activated via the key fob and approach light button, will typically run for a pre-set duration, usually around 5 to 15 minutes. After this time, the engine will automatically shut off if no further interaction occurs.
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Stopping Remote Start: If you need to deactivate the remote start before the automatic shutdown, simply press the Approach Light button again. This action will stop the engine.
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Entering Your Remotely Started XC90: To enter your Volvo XC90 while it is running via remote start, unlock the vehicle using your key fob as usual. As a built-in safety feature, the engine will automatically turn off as soon as a door is opened. This prevents unauthorized driving and adds a layer of security.
Remote Start via Volvo Cars App: An Alternative Method
While the key fob and approach light button offer a convenient method, the Volvo Cars app provides an alternative way to remotely start your XC90. The app allows you to initiate remote start from virtually anywhere with a cellular or Wi-Fi connection.
To use the Volvo Cars app for remote start:
- Install and Log In: Download and install the Volvo Cars app from your app store and log in using your Volvo ID.
- Navigate to Climate Control: Open the app and navigate to the ‘Home’ tab, then select the ‘climate’ function.
- Set Start Time and Activate: Choose a start time within the next 1-15 minutes and confirm your remote start request. You might need to authenticate using your phone’s security features.
The app offers added flexibility, allowing you to schedule remote starts and monitor vehicle status, but for quick, immediate starts, especially when your key fob is already in hand, the approach light button method is exceptionally convenient.
Important Considerations for Volvo XC90 Remote Start
- Model Year and Trim: Remote start via key fob and app is generally available for Volvo XC90 models from 2016 onwards, particularly Recharge models and those equipped with fuel heaters and automatic transmissions. Always verify your specific model’s features.
- Safety and Security: The remote start feature is designed with safety in mind. The vehicle remains locked and secured while remotely started. The engine shuts off when a door is opened, preventing unauthorized use.
- Environmental Regulations: Be aware of local idling laws. While remote start is legal in the US, some areas have restrictions on idling times due to environmental concerns. Check local regulations to ensure compliance.
Conclusion: Embrace the Convenience of Remote Start on Your Volvo XC90
The remote start feature on your Volvo XC90, especially when activated using the approach light button on your key fob, offers a significant boost in convenience and comfort. Whether you’re facing extreme temperatures or simply want to ensure a pleasant start to your journey, mastering the key fob remote start with the approach light button is a valuable skill for any Volvo XC90 owner. Enjoy the luxury of stepping into a perfectly conditioned vehicle every time, thanks to this smart and user-friendly feature.
By understanding and utilizing the approach light button for remote start, you unlock another layer of sophistication and convenience built into your Volvo XC90, making every drive a more comfortable and enjoyable experience.
