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.
Replacing Phone Modules (PHM) With VOLVO On Call
For phone modules (PHM) with Volvo On Call functionality, the unique PIN code is supplied with the software during the download. When replacing the phone module (PHM), the PIN code is retrieved from the Volvo Central Database. A new phone module (PHM) has a generally known PIN code. This PIN code is used to unlock the control module so that functions can be programmed and parameters can be read out. VIDA automatically unlocks the control module.
After software is downloaded, the parameters are sent to the Volvo central database. Information about changes to the customer data for Volvo On Call is then sent from the Volvo central database to the web portal which manages data for Volvo On Call. The data is also sent to the Volvo On Call Service Center via ftp (File Transfer Protocol).
The unique PIN is programmed into the phone module (PHM) during a software download.
The following parameters are read off and transmitted to the Volvo central database:
- GSM number for Volvo On Call
- The unique PIN code
- The PUK code for the internal SIM card for Volvo On Call
- IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity), serial number for the GSM unit
- The version number of the software for the GSM unit
- The type of unit.
After replacing the phone module (PHM), the Volvo On Call functionality must be activated if the customer has an active subscription. This does not happen automatically during the order process.
Volvo On Call is activated either via software orders or via the keypad on the climate control module (CCM). After the Volvo On Call functionality is activated, the phone module (PHM) will wait for information about the position of the vehicle for 20 minutes. The position is transmitted from the global positioning system module (GPS) via the MOST network. During this time, the car must be parked outdoors with no large obstacles which could prevent the global positioning system module (GPS) from establishing contact with the GPS satellites obscuring it. If the phone module (PHM) is unable to receive a position within this time, the activation sequence will be cancelled. Volvo On Call functionality switches to deactivated. After the phone module (PHM) has obtained the position of the car, the ON CALL button must be held in for at least two seconds to connect a voice call the Volvo On Call Service Center. This call is made to confirm the new vehicle data and to check that Volvo On Call is functioning correctly.
Because of the unique PIN code and the internal SIM card, phone modules (PHM) with Volvo On Call functionality cannot be moved between cars.
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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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