Volvo On Call Service Required Message Explained

When you receive the "Volvo On Call service required" message on your dashboard, it's important to know what it affects and how to reset it. This relatively minor error means that your vehicle is not currently properly connected to your remote services; however, it can also interfere with emergency tracking and location pinpointing in the event of an accident. Because of that, our team here at Volvo Cars Sarasota wants to help you troubleshoot this issue before it becomes a legitimate concern.

What Is the Volvo On Call Service?

To begin, let's talk about what this message is warning you about. Volvo On Call is a connected service that comes with a four-year trial with most Volvo vehicles.¹ When this program is live, either during the trial or as part of the subscription plan afterward, you will receive three primary benefits.

• Volvo Cars App: App-based features, like honk and flash, remote start, or lock/unlock.
• Safety Features: Automatic emergency calling and more from Volvo Roadside.
• Security Services: Remote door unlock, theft alarm, stolen vehicle tracking, immobilization.

Where Will You Find the Volvo On Call Service Light?

If you notice your On Call services not functioning correctly (like your Volvo Cars app no longer unlocking your doors remotely), you can check for the "Volvo On Call Service Required" light above your steering wheel. Depending on the model, it will usually be located on your driver's instrumentation, below the temperature gauge and high beam indicator.

What Does Volvo On Call Service Required Mean?

This message could mean several things: one or more aspects of the Volvo On Call program are not functioning, a software glitch is triggering the message, the subscription is not being paid, or there is an issue with the backup battery for the VCM. In the worst-case scenario, your vehicle may not be able to contact emergency services, or you may not have easy access to theft prevention functionality due to your car or SUV being unable to connect with our services. You may also be unable to lock your door with your key fob or start your engine remotely through your mobile phone.

However, many of the sources of the "Volvo On Call Service Required" message can also indicate that your other connectivity features are not working, either. It may be challenging to download Over the Air (OTA) Updates, or you may have trouble connecting to Bluetooth®, Apple CarPlay®, or Android Auto™.

How Can I Get My "Volvo On Call Service Required" Message Reset?

There are a few potential sources of "On Call service required." Volvo mechanics can help you identify the exact cause of your issue, but here are the most likely culprits.

• An Error Occurred with the Volvo On Call App: If your subscription has expired or the app ran into an error while connecting to your vehicle, your Volvo car or SUV may display the message. Check your payment history or see if your app needs to be updated.
• A Faulty Vehicle Communication Module (VCM): Your vehicle has a specific component for wireless communication, called a VCM, which could be damaged or worn, or its battery could need replacement. If that's the case, we recommend taking your car or SUV to our Volvo Cars service center for inspection and part replacement. This module is more complex than a standard card battery and may not be a simple fix.

These are the most likely parts that may need replacement when you need the "Volvo On Call service required" reset. Once any of these functions are restored, you can check to see if the warning is gone by taking your Volvo model for a brief drive. That should hopefully reset the console and indicate whether you've done it.

However, software updates and other factors may be the culprit. In that case, it's more likely that you'll need to make an appointment with an official Volvo dealership for diagnostic tools.

Reset "Volvo On Call Service Required" at Volvo Cars Sarasota

Should your Volvo car or SUV require additional help to get its connectivity back in top shape, you can schedule service with our team at your leisure. If you continue to experience issues with your Volvo S90 or Volvo XC90, "On Call service required" warnings can be easily diagnosed and resolved using our advanced tools.

While you wait for our team to install the parts you need to get the job done, we offer a Volvo loaner car program to get you back on the road.² That way, no matter how long the wait is, you can get to work, take the kids to school, and keep to your personal schedule.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you get rid of the "Volvo On Call service required" alert?

The "Volvo On Call service required" message is a warning regarding your connectivity to the Volvo app, which means your vehicle isn't properly connected to the Volvo On Call network. There are a few fixes:

• Restart your vehicle and check for any potential updates in the app
• Check your Volvo On Call subscription for payment errors
• Have a professional replace the Vehicle Communication Module (VCM)

Can I still drive with the "Volvo On Call service required" warning?

Yes, you can still drive with the "Volvo On Call service required" warning, but caution is very much advised. When this warning is active, you may not have access to the connectivity services you are used to, such as remote door unlock, remote vehicle start, or emergency accident services. Please drive carefully when you have this warning, and consider troubleshooting or scheduling an appointment as soon as you're able.

Where can I schedule a Volvo On Call service near me?

One of the best places to schedule Volvo On Call service is at Volvo Cars Sarasota. As a licensed Volvo Cars dealership, we can readily address a Volvo S60 or Volvo XC40 "On Call service required" warning using factory-made components if needed or to simply run diagnostics. We can also walk you through at-home troubleshooting, such as replacing a battery, if you have any questions.

¹Standard Connectivity includes initial 4-year free trial of the Volvo On Call app. Volvo On Call Permissions do not affect any emergency services in event of an accident. Vehicle immobilization available in some states.

²Complimentary loaners available to customers having their vehicles serviced, subject to availability. Contact our dealership for more details and to confirm availability.