Is it possible to remove an ignition with out a key?

 

I trust you are referring to the steering column lock. It is simply held onto the column with 2 security bolts (there's no heads on them). Drill out or otherwise loosen and remove them.

Or if you are planning to get a key (usually only from Volvo) Order a key using your VIN. (either the switchblade or plain rubber handled style) That key will come precut and operate the doors and the ignition/steering column lock. The car will not run until the CEM is told to accept the signal from the new key by using VIDA. That is typically done at a dealer. Or anyone with a VIDA subscription (and a valid dice unit) can make that happen.

What are you trying to do?

 

I bought a 2007 xc 90 at auction and it has no keys. Trying to remove the ignition so I can replace it with one with a key.

 

Your used key/ignition WILL NOT WORK, It will not start the car. Every key has a chip. That chip is read and if not programmed into the CEM the car will not start. So certainly you can put a replacement steering column lock with a different key on - but the only way to get it to work will be to use VIDA to tell the CEM to accept the signal from the new key. You will not be able to bypass the immobilizer - don't even try, you will just break things and get very frustrated.

If you want a key that works -.
1. Call a Volvo dealer
2. With the VIN have them order a plain rubber handled key or the key half of the switchblade remote - your choice (i'd choose the plain key, with your recent purchase you have no idea what you will find) They should want proof of ownership.
3. The key will come precut and ~3 days later you will be able to unlock the steering column and get the car out of park. (the engine will not start however)
4. Have the car towed to a Volvo dealer (or someone with a VIDA subscription) and have them program your car to accept the signal from the new key. (the key and the car have to be next to/plugged into a VIDA machine for this to happen. It cannot be done remotely)
5. Try to start the car then probably tow the car back to where you are going to find out why the car was at auction.

 

I have another 2007 XC 90 that is totaled and was going to swap the CEM, review mirror and the door lock to the car bought at auction with no key. This car is going to be used for a farm vehicle.

 

The car was repo d. I talked to the owner. She said it ran fine and was quite reliable. The dealer wants over $1,000 to make new keys etc. it’s also a 150 mile tow. The car is not worth that much.

 

Yes, a new switchblade key and remote should cost around $600.

But a plain key should cost much less. The key itself 30753415 is the valet key lists for about $100 precut, 1 hour in labor for the download, plus the software cost, which used to be less than $25, plus tax on the $100 key. (or there is a rubber handled version also)
https://www.volvopartswebstore.com/p.../30753415.html
For your swap - Most of the other control units are "married"/coded to the VIN number of the car. In some cars even the Drivers and passenger door modules (DDM/PDM the window switches) are coded to the VIN.

Here's a map of the control units.
Control units I know are tied to the CEM
ECM, TCM, BCM (brakes),DEM (rear diff 4wd) DIM (instrument cluster), PSM (power seat module) REM (rear), UEM (mirror), CCM (climate) ICM (infotainment)

All the stuff in the middle of the diagram is infotainment related, and you only have a few of those probably not gps, phone, multimedia, subwoofer

If you go that route - don't unplug the CCM with the key on - note it's in series with the SRS module - you will break the network connection and set SRS codes that will need a compatible scan tool to erase.

 

So you’re saying swapping the CEM won’t work? I am just trying to figure out if the vehicle is worth putting $ into it. Spending $1,000 + ti see if the motor and transmission are good is just stupid.

 

Don't know - never tired it. Others who have mentioned they were going to do that here and on Swedespeed - I've never seen a complete thread - i'm guessing they ghost when they figure out it's not realistically possible. But you have 2 cars of the same year - might be possible if you swap enough control units.

You might call someone like xemodex.com and see if they think a module swap between the same year car would work -

 

Thank you very much.

 

I am still wondering if it’s possibly to remove the ignition and steering column lock without a key.

 

Yes, you don't have to have a key or turn the key to get the steering column lock off. 2 security bolts, drill or manage to get headless bolts off another way (some use punches or chisel to turn the bolts, some grind slots, I use a right angle drill and drill the heads off)

 

Thank you

 

I was able to remove the wheel lock and ignition from the steering column however there is a cable that has a orange keeper tab
that I have not been able to disconnect. Perhaps there is a workaround that doesn’t require the key to turn the ignition to release
the orange tab?

 

You will have to cut it out or remove it from the other end on the shifter

 

As you said swapping the CEM and the ignition as well AC the rear view mirror did not work. I am trying to replace a lost key without having to haul the car to the dealer.