1999 S70 Key - Dealer for getting a spare?

Post by **Eddystone** » 18 Jan 2019, 23:35

I've looked at some posts about these smart keys, but many are pretty old. I have one valet key and one full-service ignition key for my 1999 S70. If I want a spare full-service key, is the dealer the only real option? I also have two working FOBs although they don't seem to pulse long enough to get the old, sticky door locks all the way up and down. Locks work fine with the key.

So, anyway, is there a cheaper option for getting an extra key? Sounds like they get any old key out of stock and then reprofgram the module in the car to match the new key which would make the existing key inoperable.

General current advice for 2019, please.

Post by **abscate** » 19 Jan 2019, 01:44

On a 1999 the key from my indie is about $50 if I wait for him to gather up his VIDA work over a week.

The Fob has to have the code with it to be tagged to a 1999, eBay fobs won't work on a 1999

Post by **Ozark Lee** » 19 Jan 2019, 08:15

There is a limit to the number of mated keys, I can't remember what that number is but five comes to mind. If you have more keys programmed than you actually have then they just get ride of the code(s) for keys you don't have and replace them with the codes for the new key(s). VIDA lists the identifier for the key that is in use so they can be sure not to delete the code for a working key - be sure to take all working keys that are in your possession with you including the valet key.

Alternatively you can dig the chip out of a working key and tape it to the bottom of the steering column and then use the cheap no chip keys and have as many as you want.

...Lee

Post by **Eddystone** » 19 Jan 2019, 10:21

Ozark Lee wrote: ↑19 Jan 2019, 08:15
Alternatively you can dig the chip out of a working key and tape it to the bottom of the steering column and then use the cheap no chip keys and have as many as you want.

...Lee

An intriguing notion...

The other (minor) issue is that they key for the '99 is twice the size of the '98 key...

Do you need to find some sort of specialist to cut these keys, or can many local locksmiths do it?

Rather than digging out the chip, you could just Dremel off the metal section once you had multiple "dumb" keys (for security reasons).

Post by **Ozark Lee** » 19 Jan 2019, 18:30

You can actually just tape the whole key to the bottom of the column underneath the key cylinder. Just the chip is easier to tape there than the whole key though. The keys are laser cut but most locksmiths can cut them.

The thing to be careful with is that you don't have a chip taped there and then try to use another chipped key in the ignition. It confuses the transponder when it gets more than one signal.

...Lee

Post by **Eddystone** » 19 Jan 2019, 18:33

I was thinking a WHOLE key is a bit TOO lax on the security scale...

Post by **abscate** » 19 Jan 2019, 18:55

You can tape it inside the steering wheel cover so it isn't visible for security.

No one steals a car with a key anymore , they just flatbed it away.