Fix your Volvo key flip /switchblade key

This is a very clear, easy-to-follow write up, with good photographs, showing how easy it is to fix your Volvo key yourself with fairly basic tools.

A cheap way to fix your Volvo’s flip key if it no longer locks in position

So I was looking for some tips on fixing the flip/switchblade key. My key flops around and doesn’t lock anywhere. After searching everywhere, all I saw were solicitations for a service where for $55, Tony would fix your key. Well, heck, I’m good at fixing stuff. I figured I could tackle it myself.
After an hour of putzing with the key, I have decided that Tony’s deal is actually pretty good. Although possible to fix, it’s not a minor repair by any means. So for those of you who are adventurous, I’ll give you some pictures and tips.
1) The case is glued together. You cannot just pry it apart without damage. You need to cut it with a super fine saw – like a razor saw. Even then, you’ll have to pry out the part that inserts into the compartment with the transponder.
2) The transponder is actually pretty well protected. If you are totally a brute you may break it, but you’d have to be quite rough.
3) The mechanism for the flip is actually pretty nicely designed. I am not sure what made mine stop working.
Here are the pics with some callouts. Hope this gives you a visual.
songzunhuang

Volvo Key Fix Procedure

I used a razor saw to separate the halves of the key. There is a central section that you do NOT want to cut through. You’ll have to pry apart the halves which will separate the glue. Here’s the entire process in pictures. I’ll add a few comments where necessary.

Fixing your flip /switchblade key – pics and advice