Bought a 2009 volvo s40 recently & it only came with one key. i still have the skeleton key that locks and unlocks doors but have lost the fob which needs to be inserted to start the car. I purchased one directly through the dealership and towed the car there. After 5 hours they said theywere unable to program because my car had a bad CEM and handed me a 3 grand quote to fix. Bought the car which now has 225k mikes for 2 grand so basically going to have to scrap my families only form of transportation. Im hoping and praying my lost fob would show up but no such luck. Does this seem right to you guys? Should i get a 2nd opinion?

 

It is possible to get the CEM replaced/repair for cheaper through a company like xemodex and it is correct that the CEM plays a major role in programming the keys. If a dealer told you they couldn't program a new key due to the CEM, I would personally believe it. CEM's are problem children in that year range volvos. Upon looking at xemodex services... it looks like you would need to send the CEM and key so that is not looking too good for you. Couldn't hurt to reach out to them and explain your situation. Sometimes you need to know when to cut your losses though, that is all up to personal reflection.