I've got a '99 v70. I only have one key, and no remotes. And holy crap, it costs a fortune to get a new key with the whole process you have to go through at the dealer, etc. I'm all for security, but my car is old now. I don't want to spend a fortune on just a new key. I've tried calling local locksmiths and Volvo repair shops, and they all say it has to be through the dealer.

Has anyone been successful with somehow attaching a regular chipped key somewhere near the ignition switch and using dumb keys to start the car? Or some way to get a new key that doesn't cost hundreds of dollars?

 

The various locksmiths and Volvo shops didn't lie to you. Spend the couple hundred bucks and get a new key if you want one. That's the only way.

 

FActs I know

Key chip only read during start, non chipped key can be used if chipped key was just removed, must be delay before rearming starter disable

Chips can be ruined somehow by environment, keep key in car next to antenna and may keep working forever.

Keys at local dealer, cutting price is only $35 per key, no programming, have had 3 cut so far for 2 cars. Cheap ebay keys work fine

Bought spare antenna for each car, going to attempt to mount with chip under dash, testing so far not working everytime, unsure why.

Will test s60 next