Re-programming key fob

ThomGuy · Post by **ThomGuy** » 14 Oct 2017, 23:46

I recently purchased a 2004 S60 2.5T AWD. The car battery was dead on arrival and the key fob had no back and no battery. I've read where if either or both of these batteries are dead, I would have to have the key fob reprogrammed. Is it possible to have this done WITHOUT taking my car to a Volvo dealer? The car is not running and is not currently not inspected either, so I'd have to have it towed to wherever my nearest Volvo dealership is located. (Not sure where that would be...) Can a certified locksmith reprogram my key fob? If I buy a key fob online (I.E. E-Bay), can it be programmed by said locksmith?

Put new battery in car. Turns over, gets gas and has spark but the car doesn't start. I fear it has something to do with the car not recognizing the key fob, so the computer won't let the car start. Am I close to being right about this??? Do you think there may be other bigger issues with my Volvo???

Thanks a ton guys and gals,

Thom H.
Butler, PA, USA

Post by **abscate** » 15 Oct 2017, 01:20

The key marriage has to be done in VIDA for a P2. Did the seller give you the history of running?

Programming and key can run from $150-350

ThomGuy · Post by **ThomGuy** » 15 Oct 2017, 22:10

The guy that I bought the car from indicated that the car was running earlier this year. Developed a radiator leak and he parked it as he didn't have the money to fix it.

Does the key marriage have to be in place in order for the car to start?? (All things being equal...)

Don't know how I'm going to get the fob taken care of...I only paid $250 for the car, so I'm not inclined to spend a ton of money to (a) tow it to a dealer; and (b) have to buy a key/fob from them and have them program it. SIGH...oh well, guess we'll check and see how much per pound I can get for it from the scrap yard...

Thanks a ton!

Thom
Butler, PA USA

APAudVid · Post by **APAudVid** » 15 Oct 2017, 23:29

No
Not the case.
The battery in the fob is for the remote buttons.
The key itself for starting the car uses a transponder chip. No battery required.
Oh, and don't buy anything key or fob related from eBay.. it will be a waste of money.
I've learned a lot about this recently as I just had two keys and fobs made for my car..
Oh, and locksmiths can't do it either, the equipment is way too expensive for most unless you live a a very major city.
I'd put a new battery in the remote for starters, I think it's a CR2032, and see if the remote works (and I don't think you need the fob cover to test, it should just clip right in)

ThomGuy · Post by **ThomGuy** » 16 Oct 2017, 08:20

Okay...so the battery thing (at least for the remote) has been ruled out. How about if the battery goes dead in the car? Does that wipe out the key's connection/pairing with the computer?? I know a little bit about the transponder and where it's located in the fob...just wondering about it's connection with the car's computer....

If none of this matters and the key fob and car are still connected, regardless, any ideas as to why my car won't start? Installed brand new car battery and we have plenty of gas and very good spark...just installed new plugs, to be sure...car just turns over and turns over...if I can get the car running, investing in other things it needs to be safe to run on the road (tires and brake pads to name two things) would be something I'd be greatly inclined to do...The interior of this car is in amazing condition and when I first sat in it, I immediately wanted to fix it up and get it on the road!!! It's really a nice car and, with AWD, a great car to own in Western Pennsylvania in the winter time - at least!!!

Post by **abscate** » 16 Oct 2017, 09:16

You have a car with no known history of a working key. I believe a P2 works the same as a P80 immobilizer - if the key chip is not married to the car, then a P80 starts and runs for a second or two, then stalls. It will then no longer start at all, just crank.

If you are getting spark, then the key is married correctly - good news.

A P2 guru should confirm that though.

On edit - it looks like P2s can give you a couple of failure modes

Car would start then would die about 2 seconds later. On this MY there were no DIM warnings. Later Henry had to extract the key codes from the CEM and match them on the ECM.

On a different car (2005 XC70) that had actually lost key codes (this is as rare an occurrence as hen's teeth). The DIM showed "starting prevented" and starter wouldn't budge.

You should budget about $2000 to get an unknown Volvo on the road to fix the things that the PO neglected - or just drive to scrap for a year if you don't want to spend that. At $250, thats a good year!!

The guy that I bought the car from indicated that the car was running earlier this year. Developed a radiator leak and he parked it as he didn't have the money to fix it

Move cautiously. A Volvo will overheat to major engine damage in a minute or two, so until you hear it run, check compression, and see if holds coolant and oil apart, don't sink money.

Post by **yagger** » 16 Oct 2017, 11:03

APAudVid wrote: ↑15 Oct 2017, 23:29 Oh, and don't buy anything key or fob related from eBay.. it will be a waste of money.

This is correct for most cases. But, sometimes need to looking for good service on ebay. I can guarantee, it there is. )))

APAudVid · Post by **APAudVid** » 16 Oct 2017, 20:16

There's two things needed to get an engine to run.
Fuel and spark.
You're not getting gas..
If you were getting gas, and you know for sure you're getting spark, an explosion would happen in the cylinder.
Either you're not pumping fuel or the gas you have in the tank is so stale it just won't combust.
I'd try pulling the fuel pump fuse, and shooting some either/starting fluid into the intake while cranking.

Post by **mrbrian200** » 16 Oct 2017, 21:00

Ahem, there are 5 things required for the engine to start: Fuel - the correct amount, not too much and not too little, Air (again, the correct amont), Spark, Proper Timing, and Compression
I bet there's more going on with this car than the PO that sold it to you let on.

Post by **JRL** » 17 Oct 2017, 16:15

I don't know why people who don't know, reply...
It's quite simple, if these keys and remotes were working before, install a new battery in the remote, install a new battery in the car and try again.
Both the car's battery and/or the remote's battery has nothing to do with the car not starting! (and the programming does not go away)