Have you tried the usual combo of Lock then press and hold the lightbulb?

 

No, it only works w/ the VOC phone app.

It takes less than 20 secs to open the app, confirm the password and press "start engine"...

The app does not need to load. If you already have it open, click on the icon and it's right there.

 

What happens if you don't have cell phone signal?

 

No not with fob, ain't happnin. You can use wifi.

 

To use the fob you need extra software installed (is an 'accessorie'), costs $500 in the US. I had this option added when ordering my new car. Expensive, but it works like sunshine.

 

Ouch, bet that's $$$

 

$500 CAD at most of our dealers. Just a programing change.

 

Last I heard it was $500 USD too. Isn't that about the same these days, though we don't have the VAT.

 

Unfortunately our dollar is closely tied to oil prices... oil has tanked so $500 CAD = roughly $432 USD

 

I agree with billwest6. I often shut my phone at night. SO I need to remember to turn it on in the morning, then wait for it to boot up. Additionally, our mobile internet service is inconsistent.
And while it is neat, I don't see any real benefit to any "other" features of the Smart Phone App. I have a 6 month free trial, but my understanding is that it will cost about $200/yr to continue. At that price, it may make sense to just purchase the $500 option to use my key fob.

 

And while it is neat, I don't see any real benefit to any "other" features of the Smart Phone App.

You don't?? You must have had a bad salesperson...

How about these:
* Remote start (I see great benefit in both cold and hot days when i would rather get inside a car that is already warmed up or cooled off)
* Accident --> if you have an accident and are somehow unconscious or semi-unconscious, the car will notify VOC and they will attempt to communicate w/ you. If you do not reply (or reply that you need help) they will dispatch EMS right away; simply relying on your phone may not be an answer since you may not have a signal or if you were in a violent accident your phone would be all over the place and you may not be able to locate it (or may not be able to operate it if you are severely injured)
* Carjacking/theft --> in either scenario, you will know where you car is and can notify authorities right away; of course, I could not even imagine how valuable this would be if s carjacker forced me out of the car with a family member inside it...

This is way better than LoJack.
I have a 6 month free trial, but my understanding is that it will cost about $200/yr to continue. At that price, it may make sense to just purchase the $500 option to use my key fob.[/QUOTE]

 

FWIW, I paid $451.00 including installation for the remote starter for my 2013 back in October. It took them less than an hour and that included vacuuming and a quick wash.

The only annoying thing about the remote starter is that it won't start the vehicle if the low fuel light is on.

 

question.... if I pay the $500 to enable the FOB for remote start, I assume I can still use the phone app for remote start too, correct?

What is the range of the key FOB for remote start?

 

The 2015.5 XC60 Platinum is a $45K+ vehicle that has remote start, it's just a matter of where the signal to initiate the start comes from. To start from the phone you have to load the app, then the software must locate the phone and the car by GPS to make sure the distance between the two is within the range allowed for remote start. So far, for me, it's a hit and miss proposition. Using the FOB is so much easier, why in the world would Volvo disable the press lock then hold the light button?? $500 to enable something that already exists ... crazy.

 

Thanks for the info on the ability to add remote start with the FOB. I asked my dealer and they were not 100% sure it could be done. I am very disappointed in Volvo and the reliability of the Volvo On Call App. After I got the car (2015.5 S80 Platinum), the remote start only worked 30-40% of the time. After 3 months, the reliability has improved and the App connects to the car most of the time. But having it on the FOB also would make the most sense. Why would Volvo not allow you to start both ways without charging $500?? I think Volvo should modify their advertisements to indicate that the Volvo on Call App only works 50% of the time. The remote start was one of my must-haves on my car purchase, and after seeing how the App worked, I decided on the Volvo. I would have also been happy with a key FOB remote start but was told I didn't need it because of the App. Very disappointed in Volvo so far - but I hope they are working on fixing the App and connectivity issues.

 

I'm not sure why, but the App now seems to be connecting & working about 75% of the time, up from about 50%. Maybe I have just learned to be more patient. Remote start would also be more convenient if the vehicle did not shut when the door is opened. I understand this is a security feature, but in my previous car, you could unlock the doors & get into the car, then go through a simple sequence (tap brakes 2x before putting in gear) to keep engine running.