Spare Keys - The truth
 

Once and for all, and something to point out to sales website contributors. Can you or can you not buy a second hand volvo key, integrated key to use on a 2006 V70 and have it reprogrammed for your own car?

If not is THE only answer the Volvo dealer?

Hi,

As an Electronic Engineer I looked into this issue before buying a spare key and fob. I have the separate key and fob but believe the integrated key is electrically identical.

The fob is controlled by a single IC. The data sheet on this IC confirms that the IC is programmed with a 'seed' number to encrypt the signal transmitted to the car. This number is programmed at manufacture and can't be changed.

Even buying one of these 'inteligent' fobs that learn the code are no use as the code changes each time you use it (known as rolling code).

This number is required to decrypt the signal. The car is programmed with this number. The number cannot be read or obtained from anybody (even Volvo) other than the original paperwork that comes with a new fob.

Any dealer or independent with a computer connection to Volvo can program the car to respond to the fob providing you have the fob code number.

In addition to this each key has a transponder embedded which is read by the 'Ring Antenna' fitted around the ignition switch. The car has to recognise this identity number before allowing the engine to start.

Volvo says they are proud of this security as they control the supply of keys and fobs….

Bob

So, first, if there is no code wth the key then it is no use. With the code the functions will work, open close etc. Have I got this correct?

If you can get a key with a code then there is the transponder problem. Can this be overcome? Or is it back to Volvo and a new set?

I am fast coming tothe conclusion that the answer to the original question is really a no.

i agree
 

i have a volvo v40 on a '51' plate and asked volvo for a price for a new key and that cost about £100 that wasnt including the fob.

Is there no way to get round it?

thats interesting reading bob cheers

i have a question supposing (and i dont know if this is possible) your car forgets your key are you then compleatly cattle trucked with no option but to get stung for a new fob from volvo

The only answer is the volvo dealer , thats why volvo security is one of the highest , no tom dick or harry has any access to keys or remote programming . Any programming that IS done by an authorised dealer even if they are a tom dick or harry is stored at volvo HQ in sweden , records are kept of when and who does key and remote programming and to which car in which dealer .
You wouldnt be too happy that after having your keys programmed somewhere , a few days or weeks later your car goes missing ...

I bought a fob from ebay which came with the required barcodes. (please note that volvo cannot program the old 8 digit pin codes. I believe these were programmed using VADIS which volvo dont have anymore. The new 16 digit pin codes do work currently so if you do get a fob, make sure it has a 16 digit pin with it). Without a 16 digit pin code, it as useful as a chocolate fireguard. This cost about 30 quid from ebay.

The dealer then programmed the pin code into the car which made the fob work as it should. This cost 60 quid for the dealer program.

I'm not sure what impact having the combined key/fob would have. Would imagine the software cost would be a little higher for the dealer bit as they have to program both the key and fob part which means two pieces of software instead of 1 just for the fob. There is also the cost of getting the blade for the key which will be dealer only.

Summary, you may be able to get it a bit cheaper by sourcing the shell of the combined key/alarm fob from ebay, but you run the risk of that part of it not working when you take it to the dealer to program, and as you didnt get it from them.........

I think through the dealer you are probably looking at about 300 quid to get a key and alarm fob new, and both programmed into the car. Volvo quoted me 150 quid just to buy and program the alarm fob part, exluding any keys.

I had to get the dealer I bought my car from to obtain a second key - one of the originals had been lost.

Priced it up with my local Volvo dealer at £215 inc VAT including programming.

Hi there you do not need to go to the dealers for spare keys as i can do these non remote ones programmed to start your engine.

Regards Ben.

You can do a phase 2 key and code it to car?