Unlock & Jump Start Volvo with Dead Battery
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Can’t unlock and start your Volvo due to a dead battery? Follow the procedures below to learn how to unlock and start your Volvo with a dead battery.
At a Glance
- Fits: 2016 to 2021 Volvo XC90 (second generation).
- Unlock: slide the metal key out of the fob and use it on the driver’s door lock.
- Jump points: the positive and ground terminals next to the main fuse box in the engine bay.
- Connect positive first, ground last; remove in reverse order.
- If the battery went flat without an obvious reason, have it and the charging system tested.
This guide provides step-by-step instructions on manually opening the door and jump-starting the 2016 to 2021 Volvo XC90 with a dead battery. To jumpstart a Volvo XC90, you will need a jump box or jumper cables to connect it to a running vehicle.
The procedure to unlock and jump-start the 2nd generation Volvo XC90 with a dead battery is simple. Manually open the driver’s door, then open the hood. Connect a jump box to the positive and ground terminal next to the engine bay’s main fuse box.
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How to Unlock & Jump Start Volvo with Dead Battery
What you will need
- Portable jump box, or jumper cables and a running vehicle
Procedure
- Remove the metal key from the keyfob. Your Volvo smart key fob has a metal blade inside that can be used to unlock the driver’s door.
Pull the driver’s door handle out as if you are going to open the door. Keep the handle pulled. This will expose the lock cylinder. Insert the metal blade in the lock cylinder and turn it to unlock the driver’s door. 
Pull the hood release located under the dashboard on the driver’s side.
Go to the front of the vehicle and press the yellow hood latch release under the hood. The yellow release is just above the headlight on the driver’s side. 
Connect the red clamp to the positive battery terminal on the driver’s side of the engine. 
Connect the black clamp to the ground terminal near the strut tower, driver’s side. The ground terminal is next to the main fuse box. 
Place your key fob on the bottom of the cup holder in the center console. 
Press the brake pedal and turn the START button to start the engine. 
These instructions apply to Volvo XC90 model years 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2021.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I unlock a Volvo XC90 with a dead key fob or battery?
Slide the metal key out of the fob and use it on the driver door lock.
Where are the jump start points on a 2016 to 2021 XC90?
The positive and ground terminals are under the hood, as shown in the guide. You do not need to reach the battery itself.
In what order do I connect jumper cables?
Connect positive first and ground last, then remove them in reverse order.
Check these troubleshooting and repair guides for more help on your Volvo.