I am so confused! I'm hoping this isn't the dumbest question ever posted here, but I really need some guidance...any help is well appreciated!

Here goes:

I have a 2004 xc 90. It is new to me and has to date sat for a couple of years...I have someone coming to check all the hoses, drain and refill fluids and fix a couple of damaged things (the rearview mirror is just hanging and the automatic shifter is pulling apart, etc.).

I have the key fob, and I put a new battery in it, and we jumped the car battery from the tailgate, not under the hood. the interior lights came on but no dash panels. And the biggest problem is that the fob key doesn't turn any of the locks on the car, or the ignition, not even the doors, but the car sounded off like it does when you put the key in with the door open..

Is there something I am missing? Maybe a way to "reboot" the fob? Or maybe reset the whole system? I haven't been able to find out anything about the car - like how many miles are on it, what error codes it might be holding, or even if there is any gas in it to speak of.

I am a student and a single mom - so money is a major issue, and anything I can do to keep the costs down is a good thing. Thank you in advance for your magic. I do appreciate your time.

 

Ok - if I understand you correctly - your switchblade style key and remote combo will not turn the drivers door lock or the ignition lock. (or the tailgate or glove box) I trust this means the remote portion does not lock or unlock the doors either.

There is no way to reboot or reset mechanical locks. They are all purely mechanical locks. If the key does not turn any of them - either all of them are seized (not common/does not happen) or you are using the wrong key.

And If both portions do not work - that's not the key/remote for that car.

Solution: but it won't be inexpensive.

Order a valet key from Volvo using the VIN number. That's a plain key with no remote. You will probably have to prove you own the car to purchase it. Less than $100. With that key you will be able to operate the door lock, trunk and turn the ignition switch. However the car will not run until the car is programmed to accept the signal from the chip in the new key. There is no way to bypass the "immobilizer" in the CEM (central electronic module) and get the car to run without a key programmed to the CEM. Don't even try.

For that "programming", the car will have to be towed to a dealer or a shop with a VIDA subscription to be able to "program" the car to accept the new key. The dealer will probably charge $200 or less for that. The new key will help by being able to unlock the steering column and get the car out of park to be able to get the car on a wrecker. You, or any other individual can do this "programming" yourself with a VIDA subscription and a interface called a DICE unit - but that's usually not possible for most people.

After the car is programmed then you can find out what the story on the car is for it's not clear if you have ever seen the car run. You have not mentioned what model of xc90. An abandoned 2004 could easily be a T6 and that's the reason it's been sitting. The T6 transmissions fail and replacement at this point cost more than the value of the car.

If that's the case - Sorry for your loss.

 

Thank you hoonk for your reply...I have let the xc90 go, I'm pretty sure I had the wrong key.

I appreciate your thorough answer - it may just have helped me dodge a bullet. So it's back to my trusty 89 245 5 speed!

Thanks again.