2004 V70 Key fob $409?

RocketUSA · Post by **RocketUSA** » 24 Sep 2015, 13:20

I just was quoted $409 to get a second key fob. I'm truly in shock. This is just about the stupidest thing I've heard in a long while. I just want to confirm that there's really no way to program this fob myself. 2004 V70.

Post by **oragex** » 24 Sep 2015, 16:04

Sad yet true. You are not alone being in shock over it. No way around although if I'm not wrong the chip is in the key, so to get only a new programmed fob without a key I think it's not the same price as for a fob+key. A key is easily bought from Ebay and cut at a local store, but it won't have the chip inside so it won't start the car.

Give a call to other Volvo dealers as prices vary. Maybe a Canada Volvo dealer? With the $ exchange it may help.

RocketUSA · Post by **RocketUSA** » 24 Sep 2015, 16:07

$409!!! They must go to training to say that with a straight face. I once sold a car for $300. This is a freaking key.

Ok, end rant.
</rant>

I thought about having a plain key cut to at least be able to unlock the door in case of locking the real key in there. Will that work, or is there an antenna at the door lock that detects the chip?

Post by **oragex** » 24 Sep 2015, 16:10

I think it will work to open the door mechanically but will trigger the alarm (then again most alarm sirens don't work by now).

RocketUSA · Post by **RocketUSA** » 24 Sep 2015, 16:15

The metal key part of the fob can unlock the door just fine, and I don't know if the security system is detecting it at that point. My assumption about the chip inside the fob is that it gets picked up on when it's inserted into the ignition, not the door lock. I guess in the case of locking the keys in, you open the door, grab the fob and shut off the alarm.

Post by **doublebug** » 24 Sep 2015, 23:47

For a spare fob we usually advise our customers to find a set of mirror and fobs at the junk yard from the same car (in your case 2003-2004 MY). Later fobs can be transferred to your mirror. DiCE is necessary to this operation.

Post by **JRL** » 25 Sep 2015, 13:30

A cut key without programming will unlock the door but will not start the car
Is this $409 for a switchblade combo?
If so, I've heard of US dealers charging even more!!
I don't know what retail even is, I pay 10% over cost which is something in the area of $140-$150 but...it still needs TWO software downloads and most dealers charge an hour which is a rip off but they do it and get away with it. My dealer does not charge anything to cut the key.
A single key costs me about $125 out the door, a switchblade about $200, (about 1/2 your quote).
Lot of mark up here

Rickard · Post by **Rickard** » 25 Sep 2015, 20:19

I sucessfully (and carefully) cut the chip out of the key for my 1999 v70 and duct taped it inside the steering column near the antenna that detects the chip. After that any key cut will work. I just picked up a 2001 v70xc and plan on doing the same. I found pictures and info for this on the web. The key won't look pretty afterward and some of the anti-theft function will be gone but my car is nearly 15 years old. It beats $400 for a key!

Dean

Post by **vtl** » 26 Sep 2015, 08:18

Pre-cut key was cheap. Unprogrammed fob was more expensive, like $100. I paid $250 for key+fob+programming (doublebug did it). Yes, this was for an old car (2002 V70), but age is not a reason to neglect a pretty solid car.

Post by **oragex** » 30 Sep 2015, 04:37

Rickard wrote:I sucessfully (and carefully) cut the chip out of the key for my 1999 v70 and duct taped it inside the steering column near the antenna that detects the chip. After that any key cut will work. I just picked up a 2001 v70xc and plan on doing the same. I found pictures and info for this on the web. The key won't look pretty afterward and some of the anti-theft function will be gone but my car is nearly 15 years old. It beats $400 for a key!

Dean

Valuable trick, here's some pics with the chip
https://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/forums ... =1&t=61212