So my key was broken when I bought the car, po just epoxied the whole key together, I ordered a replacement shell but broke the rfid chip taking it apart, if I bought a replacement key does the car need to be at the dealership to be programmed? Is it normal for a locksmith to be able to program a key or it’s usually a dealership exclusive thing? From what Iv found on google I need some kind of code to go with the key if I order one?

 

To get a new key to work - requires a download using a VIDA subscription to tell the car to accept the signal from the new key. All dealers have subscriptions and they are also available to purchase for anyone else. You will also need the hardware to interface with the car. (cpu/Dice unit)

So - do you have to go to a dealership - no. In reality - yes, unless you have a Volvo specialist or locksmith in your area that has a subscription and the appropriate hardware. - The new key, the car, and the cpu/Dice have to be in the same place to to do the download, you can't "program" the key remotely.

Do you have the switch blade key? If so you can use the valet style key instead with a separate remote. Either kind of new remote is what needs a code (that comes on the packaging) and requires a separate download to "program" the remote with the car. As far as I know you can't "program" any used remote - unless you have the code that came on the original packaging.

 

unfortunately the car only came with one key so I don’t. I can use a key as long as it comes with pin code correct?

 

?? What Pin code, and where do you plan to enter this Pin?

The switchblade key is two parts, the remote and the key - both require a download to make them work. A pin code is needed when you "program" a new remote with a VIDA download. And a VIDA download is needed to "program" a new key - pin code has nothing to do with a "key" unless you are referring to the remote portion of a switchblade key - thinking it's one piece.

 

yea the switchblade part with the rfid that will allow the car to start.

https://www.uhs-hardware.com/product...lqnp2t-apu-oem

 

if your existing remote still works just purchase the switchblade key portion and have only the new key “programmed”.

if you only have one key and the rfid is broken the car will not start until someone uses vida. If it were me I would order the key portion from a dealer - they cut the key from your vin - that way if it’s a bad cut you don’t have to pay for it. With no key the car will have to be towed to a vida subscriber 😕

 

Another thought-Some dealers might refuse to “program” a customer supplied key/remote

 

everything else still works, the blade fits and turns the ignition and I can lock and unlock the car with the remote, just needs a new rfid, I’ll cal the dealership and see what my options are, they wanted $600 to make a whole new key which is a bit expensive.

 

You need a 31253386 key special ordered and cut to your vin. 2 days later it arrives at the dealership. Have your car towed to the dealership. Have the dealership do a download to tell the CEM to accept the signal from the new key. Sorry - there's not really an easier way.

Sure you could purchase an e bay key and attempt to have it cut using your old key as the pattern. That might work - if not, buy another e bay key. Then will a dealership "program" your ebay key? Or maybe you will get the line "it wouldn't take the download, you'll need to buy a key from us" and "we already spent 1hour and the download is one time use - so you will need to pay us for 2 downloads and twice the labor and the car will sit here 2 more days until the new key comes". The $38 key is the cheapest part of solving this problem.

Things can go wrong pretty easily if they want it to.

Costs -
? Towing
$38 Key
~$25 Download
? Key cutting charge
? 1/2 - 1 hour labor charge

Here's the part you need - (from the dealer that will be doing the download)

https://www.ipdusa.com/products/2198...gaAvwXEALw_wcB

If you only have one key I would recommend having a valet key made at the same time. Key + download + labor - maybe they will give you a break if they are "programming" two keys - a valet key looks like this, a rubber or plastic handled key

https://www.volvopartswebstore.com/products/Volvo/S80/Key-blank/1193571/9203132.html?partner=googlebase_adwords&kwd=&origi n=pla&partnerDevice=c&userLocation=9011007&gclid=C j0KCQjwmIuDBhDXARIsAFITC_6pOQcBfrmBBxpeOYIZUUF-TxoVppLt0J1drMd1QgKd_qODb2w4zZoaAm0oEALw_w

An option to save the labor charges and if you are computer literate and going to work on this car yourself - Buy a DICE unit, buy a VIDA subscription, and do the labor your self. Then find and install (on an appropriate cpu/operating system/web browser) the easily found stolen/hacked version of VIDA 2014 and you will be able to diagnose and test things when your check engine light comes on.

 

Thankfully State Farm will cover my tow, but I can just use my existing key from my current fob that’s broken can’t I?

 

Sure to lock or unlock the drivers door door or the glovebox only.

Volvo is not going to take apart a key to swap key blades - that housing is glued together - I'm sure there is someone out there who has done it though. And all you would be saving the key cutting charge.

I would think the goal is to get the car back on the road, make it driveable - didn't you just purchase this car?

And ask State Farm if they cover lost keys - (not broken, just lost) I read someone was successful with that method/ploy.

 

i was going to disassemble the new fob and put my blade on it, wasn’t aware it was actually glued together, though it was that torx bolt that holds it together. I did just purchase it tho, only had one key that was epoxied together

 

The torx holds the key to the remote. The key plastic halves are glued together.

You will still need to:
Tow car
convince dealer to work with your key
pay the download and labor fee.

And have a key that's been broken and put back together - Are you sure it will last as long as a new key that has not been broken/cut open? And you are willing do that to save 38 + cutting fee - if you will face the same problems with a broken key again probably soon? Didn't the original key work until you broke it open and damaged the chip? Why won't the chip get damaged again? Sorry I've just seen too many rigged, broken switchblade keys. Being used in a NICE car. All to save a few dollars.

The new remote will still not work without a download and labor fee.

 

i understand it’s not free, I’m just not going to pay $600 for whole new key when if possible I can just have a key cut and programmed

 

I'm not suggesting a whole new key - you said your old remote works
25 download
38 key
? cutting charge ($20?)
? hour labor ( $125?)

That's ~$210

It could add to $600 with a new remote and programming for it -

If you have purchased the aftermarket thing, find a locksmith to copy your key onto the blank and convince a dealer (or Vida subscription holder) to attempt to communicate with your new key eliminating the need to purchase a $38 31253386 key. (that you know if bought and cut from Volvo will work, and be returnable if the key cut is bad, and be programmable with no questions asked.)

 

so that key itself from Volvo is $38 or would they up charge for that part? If it’s easier to buy it front he dealership I’ll definitely go that way.

 

I googled the part - there was some dealer selling it for $30 (uncut)

https://www.tascaparts.com/oem-parts...blank-31253386

https://www.volvopartswebstore.com/p.../31253386.html

 

awesome I appreciate the help! Thank you very much

 

Just an update, nobody here can cut a Volvo blank not even the dealership, so I have to order a new pre cut key for $100 plus whatever the programming is gonna cost.