Keyless Vehicle Module (KVM)

Fig 1: Identifying Keyless Vehicle Module (KVM)

Courtesy of VOLVO CARS CORPORATION

The keyless vehicle module (KVM) controls keyless entry to the vehicle. The system allows the vehicle to be opened without inserting a key in the lock or pressing a button on the remote key. The control module is located in front of the right-hand wheel arch in the cargo compartment. The keyless vehicle module (KVM) works together with the central electronic module (CEM) when opening and starting the vehicle. The two control modules communicate via the low speed side of the controller area network (CAN) (LS-CAN).

There are a number of components in the keyless entry system:

• keyless vehicle module (KVM)
• antennas in the external door handles and in the rear bumper
• antennas in the passenger compartment and cargo compartment
• quick lock motors connected to the standard lock motors
• switches in door handles, locking buttons and additional lock motors
• the remote keyless entry (RKE) receiver for signals from the keyless remote key.

If one of the external door handles is pulled outwards, the keyless vehicle module (KVM) activates the antenna in the handle on that side. A message is transmitted from the antennas. The purpose of this message is to check whether there is a remote key with keyless functionality in the vicinity of the vehicle. The remote key responds to remote keyless entry (RKE), which forwards the information to the keyless vehicle module (KVM). If a remote key is found, the keyless vehicle module (KVM) checks the identity of the remote key. If the remote key is authorized, the keyless vehicle module (KVM) will activate the quick lock motor to open the door on which the handle was pulled out. At the same time, the keyless vehicle module (KVM) transmits a signal to the central electronic module (CEM) indicating that the key is authorized and that the other doors can be unlocked.