1998 V70 Locking Alarm Module Compatibility?

[CosmicBike]

My 1998 V70R came with only 1 key and no remotes. I know they keys need to be from Volvo, but wondering about the central locking/alarm remote side of things.

The VGLA module installed in my car is a DENSO unit, Volvo Part 9459266, MB232300-8230. I have found a used unit from a V70/S70/C70 Phase 1 with 2 working remotes, but the part numbers differ. The used item is also DENSO, Volvo Part 9427463, MB232300-8370.

Anybody know if I can simply remove the VGLA from my car and fit the used item? I figure that since the used item already has remotes programmed to it then it should be plug and play? Working on the theory that the remote unit mounted under the dash top is no more than an antenna and does not need any programming..

TIA

[SteveSarre]

Hi Cosmic

The remotes talk to the VGLA , so if you buy a VGLA and two remotes that have been programmed to it, you can just plug and play and you will end with two remotes for your own car. I am not sure about compatibility of the two part numbers that you mention. Might be useful to find out what year and model it came from. Things should be interchangeable between 1997 and 2000 (for V70s)

I think a VGLA programmed for a C70 behaves slightly differently than for a V70 (difference is whether tailgate/boot unlocks or not), but it will kind of work.

You can also get remotes reprogrammed to your existing VGLA fairly cheaply if you find a friendly Volvo or independent.

Getting a second key is a different matter. If you only have one key, the first thing you should do is get a physical key cut (without any chip) so if you lose your original at least you can unlock the doors and the steering column lock to let the tow truck take the car away.

HTH
Steve

[Bob Meadows]

Link for a blank key (has a removable piece for a chip)
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/233875435302
Bob.

[CosmicBike]

Thanks Steve, I'll ask the seller what the bits came from. At the end of the day if I can get remotes programmed to the existing VGLA then that's probably the better option.

Bob cheers for the link, I found Jim very helpful and he can cut a mechanical key just from a picture of the existing which is very useful.

[ASt85]

Originally Posted by SteveSarre

Hi Cosmic

The remotes talk to the VGLA ,...............

I think a VGLA programmed for a C70 behaves slightly differently than for a V70 (difference is whether tailgate/boot unlocks or not), but it will kind of work.

You can also get remotes reprogrammed to your existing VGLA fairly cheaply if you find a friendly Volvo or independent.

Getting a second key is a different matter. If you only have one key, the first thing you should do is get a physical key cut (without any chip) so if you lose your original at least you can unlock the doors and the steering column lock to let the tow truck take the car away.

HTH
Steve

Re dead key cutting, Timpsons cut me 3 for £25 if memory serves, some branches have the readers to read Volvo codes and clone the chip to insert in the red chip holder in the keys - unfortunately none of the branches near me had e the right code reader (apparently Timpsons acquired a number of the code readers when they bought out a rival firm a few years ago).
Re the VGLA

When I changed the central locking/alarm unit (VGLA) for one with two working fobs in my 2005 C70, the remote boot unlock continued to work correctly, double clicked fairly close to the car to operate the boot lock. I have no idea if that is normal as the central locking lock/unlock seems to work from up to 30metres away! Come to think of it I haven't tried unlocking the boot from across a car park!

The part number shown on the rear (non plug side) of the old unit taken out of my 2005 model C70 is 9472463.
There are further markings around the part number which are
LOCK ALARM CONTROL UNIT (above the word VOLVO)
VOLVO (above the part number)
9472463
MB232300-8370 (below the part number)
DENSO (below the MB232300-8370 Denso part number)
SPAIN (below the word DENSO)

FRONT VIEW

TOP VIEW

REAR VIEW [IMG][/IMG]

[CosmicBike]

Thanks, was it a straight swap for the old one, with no programming needed?

[ASt85]

Originally Posted by CosmicBike

Thanks, was it a straight swap for the old one, with no programming needed?

Straight swap - it is only the keys that need to be coded to the car; some auto locksmiths have the right code readers and the software for programming the chip. Those I found in Kent were quoting £80 odd 3 years ago.

You can get round the chip problem by taping the live chipped key or the chip from it inside the steering column shroud physically close to the "aerial annulus" around the lock barrel, the dead keys will then operate as live keys coded to the car by the single chip. If you do decide to get keys coded all will appear as clones of the one you have so each will be read as eg key1 or key2 depending upon which one you have.

[ITSv40]

Originally Posted by ASt85

When I changed the central locking/alarm unit (VGLA) for one with two working fobs in my 2005 C70, the remote boot unlock continued to work correctly, double clicked fairly close to the car to operate the boot lock. I have no idea if that is normal as the central locking lock/unlock seems to work from up to 30metres away! Come to think of it I haven't tried unlocking the boot from across a car park!

[/IMG][/URL][/IMG]

Yes, that is normal.

[SteveSarre]

Hi all

I haven't tried this myself but ...

If you get a key cloned (so that key 2 and key 3 are clones of key 1), then as I understand it, if you immediately use key 2 it will initially work but the rolling code will then change, so key 1 and key 3 will no longer work because they will each still have an identical keyid but not know about the new code.

Key 2 will continue to work, and the code continues to "roll". I don't know if the code rolls on each use.

I believe a completely new key first needs to be programmed to the car, and then will get a keyid and rolling code of its own.

FYI Does anyone know if one can tell when each key was last used? Not sure if you can see this in Vida DICE

I think a maximum of 5 keys can be active at any one time.

If you lose a key, Volvo can deactivate it (on the car), so it will no longer work (eg if someone else finds it).

Please tell me if I wrong about any of this.

HTH
Steve

[CosmicBike]

Originally Posted by SteveSarre

Hi all

I haven't tried this myself but ...

If you get a key cloned (so that key 2 and key 3 are clones of key 1), then as I understand it, if you immediately use key 2 it will initially work but the rolling code will then change, so key 1 and key 3 will no longer work because they will each still have an identical keyid but not know about the new code.

Key 2 will continue to work, and the code continues to "roll". I don't know if the code rolls on each use.

I believe a completely new key first needs to be programmed to the car, and then will get a keyid and rolling code of its own.

FYI Does anyone know if one can tell when each key was last used? Not sure if you can see this in Vida DICE

I think a maximum of 5 keys can be active at any one time.

If you lose a key, Volvo can deactivate it (on the car), so it will no longer work (eg if someone else finds it).

Please tell me if I wrong about any of this.

HTH
Steve

I've read the same, and am hence wary of going anywhere for extra keys other than Volvo directly.

I've taken a punt on the VGLA module. Much digging finds the part from 2004 C70, and multiple Volvo parts sites say it's compatible. I'll find out soon enough.