Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
Programming a new control module
The immobilizer control module is supplied pre-programmed with a number of default parameters and two diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) stored. The diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) indicate that the control module has not been programmed for use in a vehicle.
When programming a new control module, only the unique PIN code intended for unlocking is downloaded first. Then the unique codes necessary for the immobilizer control module to communicate with both the VGLA (Volvo guard lock and alarm system) control module and the engine control module (ECM) are downloaded. The immobilizer control module cannot be moved from one car to another because of the unique PIN codes and the codes for communication with the VGLA (Volvo guard lock and alarm system) control module and the engine control module (ECM).
All settings are stored in the immobilizer control module but not in the Volvo central database. This means that the settings must be reprogrammed when the hardware is replaced. New keys are provided with a new control module. These are programmed into the new control module.
Keys programmed for another control module cannot be used. The keys can only be programmed once. "Old" keys cannot be programmed into a new control module.
The engine control module (ECM) automatically learns the codes from the immobilizer control module the first time the ignition is switched on, after both the control modules are installed in the vehicle. This means that both the control modules are bound to each other and means that the engine control module (ECM) will only accept commands from the immobilizer control module whose code is programmed.
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.
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