Hi all.
I recently bought an xc90 with no key, I've gone to my local dealer and order a new one, both remote and key blade. When I went to try the key I tried the doors first the car locked and unlocked, great start howeverthe remote did nothing (it definitely had a brand new battery), I got in excited to put the key in the ignition, fire her up and go fuel her up ready to get rolling. However the key won't even go into the ignition never mind start the car. I'm obviously thinking this car must have had an ignition change for some reason at some stage though no mention of it in the service manual. So I've ordered from a parts dealer a whole new ignition unit, key, remote the lot and started looking at how to remove it. I've seen I will have to use a punch to undo some of the bolts but I've also seen that you seam to need a key to unplug one of the cables from the ignition. Obviously I can't do that with my key that doesn't go in. So my question is does anyone now how to remove it without a key? Or will I just have to get medieval on the ignition with a dremel to release it?

Thanks in advance for any advice 👍🏻

 

1. Good first step - I trust this is a pre 2016 car -
2. If the key worked in the doors, you must have given the dealer your VIN to order the key, and it might be cut correctly for the ignition lock that originally came on the car
3. If the correct key (that you now own) does not fit - someone has damaged the steering column lock
4. Hopefully the dealer has ordered a steering column lock using your VIN - so it will come manufactured to fit your new key.
5. Yes, to remove the shift lock cable (easily) the key must be turned in the column lock. If not - you must cut it out. To get the column lock off - it's pretty simple to remove the security bolts holding it onto the steering column. I use a right angle drill to drill the 2 retaining bolts out, takes just a few minutes with the right tools.

6. It seems like you think your new key (and remote) will "just work". They will - after you have the car towed to a dealer (or anyone with a VIDA subscription) and have 2 "downloads" done. The first to tell your CEM to accept the signal from the chip in the key (that will allow the car to hopefully start) and the other download will be to let the UEM accept the signals from the remote to be able to use those functions. You can do these downloads yourself with a VIDA subscription purchased at Volvotechinfo.com (in the US) and a compatible DICE unit or J2534 cable.

There might be ways using an aftermarket Volvo software solution (Vdash, Orbit, and others) to get you new keys/remotes to work for less money - you will still need a compatible DICE unit or J2534 cable if you go that route. And given the effort to get a key - have more than one programmed!

EDIT: just noticed you live across the pond. A VIDA subscription is not an option for you, sorry.