2006 XC70 Key fob question

[precopster]

The photo was provided by Doublebug. I went the new keyhead/old blade route. I guess drill size will become apparent once you have a new transponder chip in your hand.

When a new keyhead arrives you can practise the assembly multiple times without glue. I can post ùp a video on the assembly as it will save some time working it out. The factory keyheads are so well made that they will be demolished in order to remove the blade; there is no saving them. In my case I taped the transponder to the old blade to do the programming, then dealt with keyhead assembly later.

By the way you will likely lose the old transponder codes on the CEM so it's best to order 2 keyheads or 2 transponders so you can have 2 remotes as per before this problem.

You can have as many keyheads as you like actually. The remote board's function is just to unlock doors......so you can have spare keys just for starting if you want to have more blades cut at a locksmith.

[scot850]

A 'How-to' when you get time would be awesome for me and any others who may be crazy enough to try this. We do still have one good key and transponder. I'll order the replacements today.

I apologise though for still being dim, but if you drill the old transponder out of the original, why do you need to replace/break open the original at all? Is it because the drilling is not successful in getting the transponder out, so you have to just destroy the old part to remove the key and then build up the 'replacement' either way?

Many thanks for your help as I know you are a busy man!

Neil.

[doublebug]

I apologise though for still being dim, but if you drill the old transponder out of the original, why do you need to replace/break open the original at all?
Is it because the drilling is not successful in getting the transponder out, so you have to just destroy the old part to remove the key and then build up the 'replacement' either way?

Old transponder cannot be reprogrammed. It can be used only with car it is programmed for. Plus Immo codes also should be the same as in time of programming. So when info is lost or dealer cannot get immo reloaded with original codes the only way not spending many $$ is to program new transponder. So old one should be removed or programming of the new one will fail. You need to be sure that old one is broken and there is enough place to put a new one.

[precopster]

Hi Neil. I would always have a plan B in case drilling doesn't work or damages the keyhead, hence the keyhead with transponder chip from that seller.

As I have never done the drilling method I can't say it will work for all. If you have a spare keyhead you just simply demolish the keyhead, remove the blade and build it into a new assembly.

One thing is for certain though; original Volvo plastic is better quality than anything from China at the moment.

Yes as Henry mentions one of the aims is to remove the old transponder and/or have it as far as possible from the ignition barrel as possible during programming of the new transponder.

Let me know on this thread when the keyheads arrive and I'll try to post up a video on reassembly.

[scot850]

Many thanks Mike! I'll let you know when they get here!

Neil.

[nickbw898]

There is a lack of clarity in this, and similar explanations of how the open/close immobiliser/ignition lock works on Volvos of this era. My understanding is (from Vida) that a maximum of four keys can be programmed to be recognised by the security/ignition system of the car. The actual coding is dependant on programing unique codes (which are assosciated with specific transponders) this is completely independent of the so called 'plip key fob' which has no part in the ignition system and has nothing to do with starting the car; it merely opens/closes the doors and turns off the alarm system. It does not depend on being programmed to the particular car alam/security system in the way that the keys and ignition do. The key transponders can be readily purchased aftermarket from places such as Ebay. Provided information about the transponder values unique codes is forthcoming with their purchase, I think they can be programmed to an individual Volvo using published techniques.

[scot850]

Agree, the 'fob with buttons portion", is only for the alarm enable/disable and door lock open/close. This does not need to be touched other than separating from the key portion to allow replacement of that or to access the transponder to replace.

Neil.

[scot850]

Time for an update. The Chinese supplied key blanks and casing finally arrived nearly 9 weeks after ordering!! Supposedly shipped by airmail. Certainly wouldn't want to use their planes to go anywhere!!

Anyway, I decided to have just one of the key blanks cut as looking closely at them the central notch that runs the length of the key appears to be slightly wider than the OE key.

When I could get access to my son's car, I tried the key to see if it would turn ok and on the face of it, it does. There is a but though. Looking carefully at the original and newly cut aftermarket key there appears to be a very slight difference in the cuts.

I thought I would see if I used the key with the working fob placed by the antennas ring, if the car would start. Nothing! The key turns ok, but then nothing which is what happens with the failed transponder fob.

Before I try to get the transponders programmed I want to make sure I understand why this didn't work. The transponder has no direct connection to the key itself, and by placing the good fob by the antenna ring I thought this would work.

So:

1) Is the not 100% matching key cut the issue?
or
2) Is the proximity of the transponder to the key that critical it needs to be within 1mm or so?

Any views/thoughts appreciated.

Neil.

[precopster]

Is there a new unprogrammed ID48 chip in the new keyhead Neil? If so this will prevent starting.

If the key turns in the lock I don't see any issue. It looks more like an interference problem with the new ID48 chip or a proximity problem.

[scot850]

Thanks Mike, but I am using the bare key and no transponder other than the original nearby. Although the new ones may have been in the car but I can't recall.

Putting the original 'good' fob and key in started the car immediately, so if the new transponder ship was near would it not affect that too?

Neil.