Hello - I am new to the wild world of the P2 Volvo, but not Volvos as this is my 14th. I recently bought a 2004 V70 2.4l. It came with one switchblade remote/key, and one simple key with no remote (the "valet" key, I believe). From lots of reading I understand in general how keys and remotes on these cars work - key and transmitter programmed separately, need the dealer or a high end indy/locksmith, etc. Bring lots of $$$.

Now my actual question that I have not found the answer to - my understanding is that through 2003, these cars used a separate key and remote transmitter fob, but in 2004 they went to the "switchblade" style key. Can you use the older style fob with the 2004+ car? I don't want to spend the medium fortune that a complete switchblade key programmed to the car would cost, as I do have two keys that work already. I just want another transmitter for just a small fortune :-). I could just buy the transmitter half of the switchblade key, but that is not a particularly elegant solution. And the switchblade keys are fragile to boot - I would prefer to just use the regular key with a separate transmitter and keep the switchblade key as the spare.

I actually had to rebuild my one switchblade key with a new shell - that was fun... I am tempted to just tape the RF chip inside the steering column and have the same level of security that was perfectly fine on all those redblocks that I have owned. Volvo theft being SUCH a HUGE problem in SW FL.

-Kevin in SW FL

 

Yes. I have programmed many. (actually you program the car to accept the new remote)

You cannot program your car to accept a used remote, unless you have the bag it originally came in with the PIN code on it.

 

Thanks! I appreciate the reply. I figured used ones were a no go. Been dealing with this stuff with Saabs and BMWs, Volvo is pretty much the same. Just with the added fun of that extra software download fee. Sigh.

-Kevin