My one and only key is getting intermittent with all the buttons from time to time. No messages inside. Has never failed to start. Fer Grins, last nite I manually locked it then tried to unlock with fob. No go. To the point of frustration a big no go....urg.......So time to learn how to use the metal key when its daylight. Alas, day break, and (drum roll please) the fob works, ugg. Of course it starts too. This scenario is getting more frequent. Sooooo, how does this thing work anyway??? RFID, microwaves, reverse osmosis, infra red??? Which leads to the "How does a key get programmed" question. Im having to get a second key fore my wife anyway. She took a new job and her hours vary greatly. So she has the key while I do my daytime gig. And shes scared to death she'll lose it.

So I'll be biting that bullet soon enough. But it got me thinking about the process. In theory if one had the Vida/Dice equipment could one program a key? there is not a physical connection is there?

But any thoughts on the button issue? Seems unlikely all the buttons would not work at the same time. Where is the receiver(?) at in the car? Maybe get a new fob battery with the new key?

One more, do I need to get a "full" key? Is there an optional Valet key? Something to just get in and drive with? No metal key blade options. Im trying to save a buck here. My shop told me they are close to dealer prices and will need the car for a while. Another vacation day dead, oh well.

Thanx all

Funny, before I closed this I went to the store. Unlocked in the driveway fine. Did not lock it at the store. Came home and the fob is dead again. Go figure. I dont keep anything in the car, nothing to steal but a spare tire so its not the end of the world but still...........sorry for the rant

 

To start the car, the ignition switch, called the Start Control Unit, reads the key when inserted and transmits this info to the Steering Column Lock, which contains the programming info. If the readout matches the programming, the car is allowed to start.

To program the key, you need VIDA and a DiCE, as well as a valid subscription to allow software downloads. The clones on eBay won't work for software.

The remote and key blade are sold individually, so you can skip the key blade if you want.

 

You cannot use a junk yard acquired key (ebay, etc). You must buy a new genuine OEM Volvo key that contains all the codes needed by the dealer to program the key. I saved a few dollars buying a new key online then had my local dealer program it for about $75 plus tax.

 

I can to the same conclusion and did the same thing: ordered the FOB from Tascaparts.com and brought it to the dealer for programming. All good. Some $'s saved.

 

Thanx all. Pierre, how recently did you get a key at Tasca? I put in my info and pulled up 2 pages of "sorta related" stuff. Even a GM key. Go figure. I'm weary of ebay. I'll save the long stories. I may have an ace in the hole. He said he might could help me out at cost plus 10%. This is sorta souring me on Volvo tho as the Misses reminds me total cost after the purchase is getting close to what I paid for her Camry and about half of what I paid for the car. I drive old cars for a reason (depreciation) some of which you could call "beaters". And Her 98 Camry is a daily driver, My cost per mile is going thru the roof at maybe 100 miles a month to keep a battery charged......and it looks like maybe mirror on the drivers side now. Intermittently flops around at speed like all the screws decided to come out at once. heated mirrors are nice tho......thanx again

Yeah, I keep the receipts and watch total cost (of anything). I'm funny like that (Cheap)

 

I hear you!
i ordered the key about 18 months ago. To find the part i surfed through different diagrams for my vehicle until I found the one with a key and fob shown. As I recall it took me a few tries before I found the right diagram. I then ordered that part and gave them my VIN. It took a few weeks but the cut key and fob eventually were delivered.

 

For instance, for a 2007 V50 you would select "electrical", "keyless entry components" and the fob is listed as the "transmitter" part #30772202

 

Got it, thanx. Transmitter, hehe. I guess I can rename my trashcan to "circular open ended waste document receptacle" oh well.

Thanks again

 

So my buddy got back to me with 2 items aptly named Remote control and pass key (passenger?) I assume FOB and/or valet key? Am I on the right track? Tascaparts is showing a "Volvo Keyless Entry Remote Start Transmitter" with just 3 buttons on it too. Lock, unlock, and trunk. How does this start anything??? $110 cough cough......Surely madness follows all the days of my life.

Fer grins, 6 months ago I had 4 spares made for my Camry at Home Depot for under 20. It was a sign I tell you. And stupid, I paid the pop-a-lock people twice before I got the hint. Double ouch, still cheaper than a Volvo Key. I love my wife but her and keys. Happens every 3 or 4 years........hence the thread you are reading

Thanks everyone

 

The pass key is the metal key blade for opening the door manually or locking the glove box.

 

AH HA!!! I'm obviously not up on my Swedish syntax. Thanx. And a big thanx to the folks who turned me on to Tasca Parts. Just looked again and their key doesnt include the pass key. I've gone with the word "Blade". Now I know.......Gonna grab both parts and be done with this. Then weld the key to a chain and maybe, just maybe, she wont lose it. I love my wife.

 

when I last lost my key fob for our V70 and got over the sticker shock my father in law gave me one of his "tiles." A tile is a little white square that you can put on a key chain, inside your wallet, your briefcase, or wherever. Using the tileapp on your phone you can see where the item was last "seen" and you can get it to emit a tone so that you can find it. I swear I've used the thing about 50 times since he gave it to me. I've now got one on all our expense fobs + one thinner one in my wallet. You can find out more at www.thetileapp.com.

 

Thats neat. But I just use a company phone. Wife uses a go phone, text, talk only. I fear finding it "in" the locked car is the issue. I wonder if "Pop-a-Lock" folks can get me in???

 

Yes, guys who are professional in doing pop a lock can surely get you in.

 

I can have these keys at a local locksmith store or not?

 

If they have them. Call them.

 

A Key blank can be cut/copied at a local locksmith if they have the blanks and an appropriate machine. The new key will (if cut correctly) unlock the door and turn in the steering column lock/ignition switch. A 1999 and up Volvo will not start until the car is programmed to accept the signal from the chip in the key.

Programming the car requires a software download that anyone with a VIDA subscription can do. Some independent garages have subscriptions, and all Volvo dealers do. If you wanted you could purchase a subscription yourself.