Need key for 2004 S60 2.5T

wildbunch · Post by **wildbunch** » 19 Nov 2025, 02:18

I would appreciate some advice:

My wife lost her key fob to our 2004 S60 2.5T. I need to get her one pretty soon. My key is a Volvo key only -- no remote fob.

I see plenty of fobs on Amazon and eBay, and a few regular keys, like mine. So, in going about this, I'm wondering:

1. What does the fob do that a plain key cannot? I'm seeing a remote door and trunk unlock, and also it moves the driver's seat to the memorized position. Is there anything else?

2. Regarding the aftermarket (Amazon, et al) keys, can regular locksmiths grind one so that it will work reliably, using my key as a pattern?

3. How do I then get the key programmed to start the car? Is there a way to disable the antitheft feature? I am not thinking that our old Volvo would be in great demand by car thieves (except for the catalytic converter) and we don't live in a high theft area.

4. Or, should I just go to the dealer? I hve procrastinated getting the airbag replaced on recall, and I wonder whether I should just ask the dealer to set me up with a new key -- except that I hear that the price of going this way is pretty high.

5. What is getting a new fob or key going to cost me?

Thanks so much for your input.

ignatz · Post by **ignatz** » 19 Nov 2025, 05:28

The key and the fob are purchased separately. The key and fob are programed by the dealer separately. The battery is sold extra.
So, the bill will list five items for a complete fob. $801.09
This was for my 06 S60T5 in July 2025
You could get a Valet key at the dealer, but that also has an additional programming fee.
I bought my 06 Volvo a year earlier with only a Valet key, so I knew at some point I needed an extra key.

Post by **cn90** » 19 Nov 2025, 06:30

Full key w/o Fob...$250.
Fob key...$450.

Please search forum.

Post by **br0dy519** » 19 Nov 2025, 07:08

Need an "all things Fobs and Keys" sticky/FAQ thread..

Although still not sure if it's an AI post..

wildbunch · Post by **wildbunch** » 20 Nov 2025, 00:23

Folks, thank you for your help.

I've learned that what I've been using all of this time is a valet key.

I'm not going to go for $800 to get my Wife a new key, so, how much would getting her a valet key cost? I'm supposing that the dealer programming would expect to use one of their keys -- is this correct?

I did search the forum before posting, and I still had questions. Also, the prices discussed were from a past time.

I am assuming only a dealer can program a valet key, or are there other options?

Thank you

Post by **abscate** » 20 Nov 2025, 00:34

Dealer only on 1999- on. You can find independents who have a paid VIDA subscription who can also do it, Volvo stores the pin info on their server, not on the car , for security of keys.

You might have to go to Billings, SLC, or Boulder for a dealer if there isn’t one in Cheyenne

See if Yagger in San Jose can do this remote , I’ll find link to him too.

Post by **jonesg** » 20 Nov 2025, 01:33

this should be a lot cheaper.

https://www.datatransferring.com/volvo

Post by **cn90** » 20 Nov 2025, 06:15

As mentioned above, the key w/o Fob is $250, price I paid 1 year ago, so it is recent...

Post by **abscate** » 20 Nov 2025, 15:10

...runs to put Apple Airtags on all his P2 keys....

wildbunch · Post by **wildbunch** » 21 Nov 2025, 01:40

Folks, thanks so much for your help. Our nearest dealer is in Fort Collins, CO, which isn't that far. As I said, I should have taken care of that airbag recall a long time ago, so that will give me an excuse to go down there, key or no key.

Meanwhile, I will look into that datatransferring.com. That might also offer an alternative, as I see valet key blanks for sale.

@abscate: Apple Airtags sound like a good idea!