Happy to be back in the Volvo game after a few years away with two Toyota Prius's (not much tinkering to be done there). Just bought a 99 v70 glt wagon cheap, totally forgot about the crazy expensive cost of getting a second transponder key made, which apparently might be 25% the cost of the car with programming. I have zero concerns about the car being stolen. Has anyone simply installed a push-button starter somewhere on the dash, then wired it directly to the starter? I'm thinking I could enter the locked car and turn ignition switch to position 1 with just a regular $30 (without the transponder chip ) key cut to my vin number, then engage starter to crank engine using the push button switch. Am I missing something, or is the anti-theft system so sophisticated that the engine won't run doing this to engage starter. I'm just paranoid about only having one key for the car in case I misplace it, and I've seen push button start switches installed on a few old Mercedes diesels. Thanks

 

Yes you are - the chip in the key deactivates the immobilizer system. If there is not a recognized key present - the car will not start - hence the name - immobilizer.

I have heard - that you can tape a recognized key (with a chip in it) to the bottom of the steering column next to the antenna ring, probably under the plastic cover - then use a non recognized key (your not programmed copy) to turn the ignition and start and drive the car.