1998 v70 Key fob

[Bren]

For some reason my key does it work in the door - I haven't investigated yet but it looks like the locking mechanism is gone by the previous owner - not sure why...

But the key fob works to lock and unlock the doors but the problem is I only have one - and if I lose it and can't get in with the key I will be in trouble...

I guess my question is - if I already have one fob, is it the same $200 racket that Volvo charges to get another one programmed to the car or is it simpler if I already have one? Or would it just be easier to open up the door and figure out what's going on with the key not unlocking it?

[oragex]

If you have only one key remaining, what some people did is to order a blank key for $5 off Ebay then have it cut at a local market or again off Ebay for around $25. Then they removed the chip from inside the original key and place it inside the steering column near the ignition barrel. Not the safest trick, but this way you can use as many keys without transducer as needed .

[Bren]

I have 2 keys - but only one fob

My problem isn't the number of keys it's that my keys won't unlock the front door - the key goes in and turns but doesn't lock or unlock the door.

I'm scared that if I lose my one fob or the battery dies on the car when the doors are locked, I will be locked out.

[kahl]

I would inspect the door lock actuator and the handle for damage of the mechanical link between the two assemblies.

[Ozark Lee]

If you can score a lock and key from a pick-n-pull for the door you could at least get into the car. Having mismatched keys is always a PITA but so is getting locked out of your car. With your VIN you can get a matched lock cylinder from your local dealer but that gets very expensive - several hundred dollars.

On a '98 getting a remote programmed isn't nearly as big a deal as it is on the '99+ cars. You can pick up a used fob on eBay and get it mated although it needs to be done by a shop with the equivalent of a Volvo scan tool and they will need to get the PIN number for the car. I think my local Independent shop charged my daughter $35.00 or $40.00 to program one for her and that included doing whatever they needed to do to get the PIN number.

...Lee

[BEJinFbk]

If you have only one key remaining, what some people did is to order a blank key for $5 off Ebay then have it cut at a local market or again off Ebay for around $25. Then they removed the chip from inside the original key and place it inside the steering column near the ignition barrel. Not the safest trick, but this way you can use as many keys without transducer as needed .

A '98 doesn't use a chipped key.
That started with '99 models in the US.

[BEJinFbk]

For some reason my key does it work in the door - I haven't investigated yet but it looks like the locking mechanism is gone by the previous owner - not sure why...

But the key fob works to lock and unlock the doors but the problem is I only have one - and if I lose it and can't get in with the key I will be in trouble...

I guess my question is - if I already have one fob, is it the same $200 racket that Volvo charges to get another one programmed to the car or is it simpler if I already have one? Or would it just be easier to open up the door and figure out what's going on with the key not unlocking it?

Step 1 - Get your mechanical door lock issue dealt with.
I wouldn't count on the fob to get you into your car.
If your battery goes dead - You've got a problem.

It could be that there's a problem with the door lock mechanism
itself, but knowing exactly what happens when you try to use the
driver's door lock would help to diagnose the issue.

First of all, is it keyed correctly?
When you insert the key, does it turn at all?
Or does it start to turn and just not do anything?

Another question - Does your key work in the tailgate lock?

It may be that someone only replaced the ignition lock cylinder
in this car and the door locks are fine - You just have the wrong key.
If that's the case, you should be able to get a correctly cut key from
the dealer ( or maybe a really good locksmith ).

As far as the fob replacement, the '98 isn't too bad.
You can get a used 9166200 fob and you'll only have
to have it programmed to the car. IIRC, the system
in the '98's can remember up to 4 fobs.

[Bren]

Ok so the key does NOT work in the tailgate!

But see this is where it gets weird - because the key won't even go into the tailgate lock but it goes right into the door and will turn but nothing happens...

Wtf

[BEJinFbk]

Sounds like you need to get into that door and
see what's up with the cylinder to latch linkage.