Hi all. Just bought a 2002 V70. First Volvo, and very pleased with it. It came with one key and one separate remote fob. I am going to get a spare key cut at Timpsons. Regarding the fob - Do you have to use the fob for access to start the car, activate the immobiliser etc., or can dispense with it completely if you want to? I only say this because the fob is old and might stop working at some point. I understand that replacements are very expensive too. Thank you for your help. Paul

Just had a quote for £395 for new key and fob.. It appears that there is a transponder in the key.

 

You can just use the key in the door lock to unlock it. The new one will need to be programmed to start the car though, so it would be a good time to consider a remote as well if you want one.

 

Many thanks. That's good to know. My local key guy can do a replacement key for £70 and needs the car there to do it. I will shop around for a better priced fob.

 

Does your "local key guy" have a VIDA subscription? Or what method does he use to get the car to accept the signal from the chip in the new key?

The normal process is : you order a key from Volvo precut. This is a steel key and is cut using the info from your VIN. Then someone (a dealer, a shop, a locksmith, an individual) using a VIDA subscription (and a DICE unit to interface with the car) performs a "download" - which is a program that tells the car to accept the signal from the transponder in the new key.

Similar process with a remote. Someone using a VIDA subscription performs a "download" to tell the car to accept the signals from a new remote. With the remote you need a code that's printed on the packaging to complete that process. Without the bag the remote came with the code is printed on - it's not possible to get that remote to talk to the car. That's why used remotes are worthless - there's no code.

Most shops/dealers will charge up to 1 hour in labor time for each "download" plus the cost of the download itself. It can take that much time for the complete process.