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VCM Battery Replacement DIY Guide

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55K views 60 replies 29 participants last post by  rjsphd  
#1 · (Edited)
The "On Call Service Required" message has started popping up on my 2017 T6, so I thought I would start with the easiest option, which was to swap out the backup battery. Unfortunately I still have the error message, so not sure what to do now. As far as I can tell, the vehicle modem is working, as is GPS and all the other functions. Maybe I just need to pull a fuse?

On the XC90, it is located in the trunk on the passenger side wheel well. You will need to remove the trim around the lift gate door, as well as the top two pieces of trim on the D pillar. I think I had to remove a total of 5 bolts and 1 plastic nut. Two bolts are hidden behind the silver anchor tie downs, two are used for the hatch trim, and one is hidden behind the "srs airbag" trim piece.

It's kind of tight to work on there, but you should have enough room to unclip the module from the bracket and swivel it around to work on. The battery is located on the rear of the module under a small cover. When removing the battery, take extra care to unlatch the connector when pulling.

The hardest part of this job was figuring out where the trim came apart at, going back together only took me a few minutes

UPDATE:
I found the relevant TSB for the "On Call Required Message": https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2024/MC-10253788-0001.pdf

A trip the dealer would have cost 2.5 labor hours, and 90 dollars for the update. by replacing the battery myself, I saved about $450 in labor.

After the update, I no longer get the error message.

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#2 ·
I saw this reply from a month ago on another forum. I'm hoping it's something that a software update will resolve.

"Apr 23rd, 2024, 12:14

The battery replacement did not solve my problem, so they contacted Volvo for a fix and I had to take it back, on picking car up I was informed that Volvo have just released a software update for this problem which was carried out and problem sorted, they said a lot of people have reported this issue lately.
So if anyone has this service required issue ask their dealer about this software update."
 
#16 ·
Very coincidental that so many 2017 MY Volvo owners are getting this error at the same time. I’m not a legal expert…but if a part has a timed failure and is not disclosed in the manual AND the only way to resolve is to purchase a software update that can only be purchased from Volvo…then surely that violates some consumer protection? Idk just thinking…
 
#17 ·
My 2019 has had this message for last few thousand miles…currently at 88k. Will have dealer address at 90k service under cpo warranty. It’s just a battery…as normal car batteries last around 4-5 years but some more some less. Not so much a timed failure as a part that will just fail eventually, like all batteries.
 
#18 · (Edited)
Yes the battery I understand. Battery can be purchased OEM or 3rd party alternatives and replaced by anyone. But to actually clear the error fault message, it appears from other members, that an additional software update is required. This software can only be purchased from Volvo. For a consumable part I don’t think is right. The update should be free.
 
#19 ·
It is a timed intentional 'failure' or rather, forced replacement/service of what Volvo deems a critical safety system. The CEM has a timer that starts when the car is first commissioned and all other ECMs refer to this timer. The VCM backup battery is deemed needing replacement at T=252,288,000sec (8yrs) as it is part of the volvo on call emergency services notification in the event of a crash and a battery fault could result in this not functioning. The CEM counter cannot be reset aside from a software reflash/replacement unit or, it will actually clock over back to 0sec around 13yrs (this is all described in the VIDA functionality information btw regarding the VCM and volvo on call).

Volvo released a TJ earlier this year outlining the battery replacement and a software patch to remove the VOC service required message in the DIM and associated DTC code (U-1050) - I assume this patch likely tells the VCM that the zero counter for the battery replacement/VOC service message is the current time on the CEM. The software patch must be installed using VIDA (which is a paid subscription), but the software patch is free.

TJ 36916.1.0

 
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#23 ·
The battery removal is not all that difficult, just be mindful of the wires and such as you remove the trim pieces. When you go to replace the battery itself, that extra care not to yank on the battery connector, as there have been reports of it pulling the whole connector off the motherboard. I would say most people should be able to do this in 45 minutes to 1 hour.
 
#26 ·
I had to get my windshield replaced and after the replacement the VOC Service Required notification showed up. Its seems too coincidental that the battery went bad on the same day as the windshield was replaced?

Is it possible that Safelite didnt reconnect everything properly, or do a proper and complete calibration, when they did the windshield? Or is it possible that my dealer just has to do some sort of electronic reset? Thanks in advance!
 
#28 ·
I just tried this on my 2017 S90. The battery replacement took less than 5 minutes. The VCM is located under the mat in the trunk. You don't need to remove any trim pieces like the original poster had to for their XC90.

I tried to manually order the software but VIDA said it wasn't available. The TJ mentions that something like this may occur but there is not a yes button for me to click and continue the download.

I submitted a help request to the volvotechinfo website and am waiting for a response. I hope they will respond before my subscription expires.

Has anyone experienced a similar issue?

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#32 ·
Yes.. they are pretty quick to respond - usually within half a day. They need to manually load the software into VIDA for you.
 
#29 ·
I just tried the same thing on my 17 XC90 T6 Inscription... Got the same message in VIDA... I too, did not have the "yes" button to download anyway... Submitted a help ticket... Sadly I dont think Volvo handles these on the weekends... My VIDA subscription runs out on Monday afternoon... We will see if they get back to me before then.
 
#30 ·
I believe you're correct in they don't work the weekend. I also bought my subscription on Friday. They sent me an email Monday morning saying the software was sent to my VIDA. I was lucky that I have the day off so I could do the update before my subscription expires. VIDA prompted me for an order ID before the download would start but there wasn't one provided in the communication from volvotechinfo. I typed in the software part number (32398268) and that worked to start the download.
 
#31 ·
I got my reply from Volvo first thing this morning. They said they downloaded the software to my VIDA. Brought my laptop and VOE cable to work and on lunch it was there. Just had to click "retrieve", I used "volvo" for the Order ID. Software downloaded successfully (within 7 minutes) and now I no longer have the annoying "Volvo On Call Service Required Message" at startup. I used VDASH to scan for codes and the U10500 (I think) is gone.
 
#37 ·
Is it possible for someone who is competent with computers to purchase the 3 day VIDA subscription, order the required VCM update and put it on? How difficult is it to check the battery in VIDA to determine if it truly needs to be replace? This is for a 2017 XC90 T6 Inscription. Knowledgeable around computers, cars and taking apart trim, not so much. Besides VIDA what is required tech wise? Investing in a laptop to ODB2 cable?
 
#39 ·
in his case, given the age of his car, likely yes.
 
#40 ·
OK so new guy here. About 7 days after purchasing an 07 XC90 T6, the “On call Service needed “ light came on. I’ve been reading all I can about this issue. I may be missing g the obvious, but if I do battery replacement, will the “light” go off, or will I have to take it to a defeat for the update. im totally capable in the hands on stuff, but not so much on the “computer/buy a cable,/ install update stuff. if anyone on here can help, I would appreciate a direct response via email or txt thanks Don Johnson, located in Southern Indiana 812-449-0879 bmwdon@gmail.com
 
#41 ·
OK so new guy here. About 7 days after purchasing an 07 XC90 T6, the “On call Service needed “ light came on. I’ve been reading all I can about this issue. I may be missing g the obvious, but if I do battery replacement, will the “light” go off, or will I have to take it to a defeat for the update. im totally capable in the hands on stuff, but not so much on the “computer/buy a cable,/ install update stuff. if anyone on here can help, I would appreciate a direct response via email or txt thanks Don Johnson, located in Southern Indiana 812-449-0879 bmwdon@gmail.com
'07?... or '17? This thread is only referring to the SPA platform cars and is in the SPA forum... if your XC90 is '07 it is the P2 platform and none of this is relevant to you.