Just looking for confirmation of what I think should happen, please. I bought a new "Keyless Entry" fob with switchblade type key, on eBay. It came with the codes necessary to program, which I will do later with VDASH. I have had the key cut already and it opens and closes the doors and fits into the ignition. My question is "Should the key be able to turn in the ignition or does it have to be programmed first?
Thanks group!

 

Yes a correctly cut key will turn in the door lock and steering column lock. (and any other keylocks you might have - trunk/glovebox) Programming (your CEM) simply tells your CEM to accept the signal from the chip in the key and allow the car to start.

If your aftermarket copied key does not work -

I would suggest ordering a Key from a Volvo dealer using your VIN. It will arrive precut ~3 days later and you won't have to pay for it - if it does not work!

 

I was afraid of that. Now I wonder if it was cut incorrectly or my Volvo just doesn't like it?!?! So I looked up a new key on the Volvo Parts Webstore and came up with this part for my 2006 XC90 2.5T -- #31253386. Does this look like the right one Hoonk?

 

If your key works in the drivers door - it might be cut correctly. If it won't turn in the steering column lock - that's not common - commonly when the steering column lock goes bad the key won't turn to the start position - But I have heard of (and seen on much earlier cars 88-97 960) tumblers in steering column locks refusing to turn with a good key. If that's the case - order a steering column lock from Volvo using your VIN. The tumbler will arrive (~ 4 days later) and match your existing key. The steering column lock is plug and play. Of course any new keys will have to be paired to your CEM.

That part number is for a switch blade key. I never liked those. Always breaking and huge in your pocket.

A regular chip key from an earlier (2001+) Volvo will work with the small triangular remote. (pictured below) That's a cheaper way to get just a key (precut from Volvo, and program the CEM your self - if possible)

If your switchblade remote still works - purchase just the switchblade key blank (precut and program the CEM to that)

 

Well one thing has went right....I was able to get the newly cut key to turn in the ignition by smoothing out all the sharp edges created by the cutting. Now the biggie..DECODING the CEM!

 

Why not simply purchase a 3 day VIDA subscription and use that (and your clone dice unit that you changed the number on) to make your new key work?

 

I have read that using VDASH was a lot more user friendly and cheaper and with the cost of everything that has Volvo on it...I'm all about paying less. But another question comes to mind...does VIDA get the CEM code automatically during a key programming?
(Someone ought to write a book called "VIDA for Dummies!)

 

From what I understand - you use vdash to "find the pin" on your CEM and go from there. From what I have read (never done this myself) that can take a while (more than a few hours) and others have reported it can be a pain in the ***.

Vida - you purchase a subscription (set up your passwords and stuff) and IF your DICE is compatible (IF!!) you purchase a 3 day subscription, purchase the software and "download" the software to "program" a new remote and "program" a new key. When I would do that, I could "program" a remote and a key in less than an hour (after having done downloads many, many times) But there have been many times where the "subscription" or the "download" has gone wrong - and it can take DAYS to get it fixed. Been there/done that.

Yes VIDA (and I imagine VDASH) is a learning experience - So - If you purchased a precut key from Volvo and then paid a dealer 150-$200 to program it - What's your time worth?

 

HOLY HELL, the stuff you have to do to program a key!! First you have to have a suitable laptop to use and a "renumbered" DiCE unit. Then you need to create an account with Volvotechinfo.com. After that you can buy a VIDA license. The 3-day license is right at $84 USD total. You also need to download the required program/apps for VIDA. Once you get your VIDA user name and temp password you have to change the password. But you cannot use VIDA until you have activated your license. Once you can use VIDA it's a matter of finding the software you want, buying it (the Ignition Key Appl was about $48 USD), getting a reference number for the purchase, retrieve the software from within VIDA (with reference number), wait for the download and then finally installing the software. VIDA requires that the communication tool be hooked up the whole time and it doesn't hurt to have your laptop hard wired to the internet. I used a long ethernet cable from my router directly to the laptop using an ethernet to usb adapter at the laptop. I also had the car battery on a trickle charger.
I'm not ashamed, well not too much, to say that as a Newbie I was pretty much winging my way through this whole ordeal. There were no step-to-step instructions to use so I was guessing as to why it was taking so long to retrieve the software. I went through multiple VIDA hookups trying to get the download to start before I noticed that only firmware led on the DiCE was lit!! (duh) Did a complete restart and readout and things came to life....PHEW!! I was done in under 5 minutes with a fully functioning brand new spare key. I was under the assumption that I needed to "program" the fob too but every button on it works as it should without any additional software download.

 

Glad you got it done!

One of my original comments - "paid a dealer 150-$200 to program it - What's your time worth?"

Was it worth your time? For me it was always a challenge, and I enjoyed it, but I was doing it to as a service to fix a customers car.

 

If I had known then, I would have had the stealership do it! Although I do like challenges! Thanks hoonk!!