New Remote and key - ouch, any alternative?

tombrisk · Post by **tombrisk** » 10 Jun 2020, 19:02

Bought a sweet 2000 V70XC with one key.
Is there any way I can keep costs down?

Ordered a used remote ($36, decent, right?)
Call Volvo dealership:
New key, cut is free!
Add:Download software for key, remote- not too unreasonable
Add: Hour+ Shop charge for the tech: Wow, WhAt?!
Oh- But the remote ONLY works on the car it came with! New one, $300!?!
HELP!

Cailin · Post by **Cailin** » 10 Jun 2020, 19:31

I don’t know if it will help, but when I needed a new spare key for my 850 I found it was cheaper to call a dealer out of state. (Found that tip here, I think.) Overland Park in KS was able to copy my key from the vin number. Local dealers wanted close to $100. I think I paid $25 with shipping. Definitely worth calling to ask.

tombrisk · Post by **tombrisk** » 10 Jun 2020, 19:43

Hmmm interesting, thanks. Thought they needed the vehicle, software download to the car, yada yada.
I'll keep hoping for a reasonable amount of $$

Post by **scot850** » 10 Jun 2020, 21:08

A 2000 has different keys to 98 and earlier in North America. They have a built in chip that needs to be programmed to the car or it won't start.

I can't recall if the fobs on pre-2000's can be re-programmed. 2001- are unique to the car unless someone kept the program key which no-one does. I ended up fitting a remote start system with a hidden chipped key.

Neil.

Cailin · Post by **Cailin** » 10 Jun 2020, 21:40

Yeah oops, I’ve always had older cars, so forgot about the chip. Sorry about that.

tombrisk · Post by **tombrisk** » 10 Jun 2020, 23:32

scot850 wrote: ↑10 Jun 2020, 21:08 A 2000 has different keys to 98 and earlier in North America. They have a built in chip that needs to be programmed to the car or it won't start.

I can't recall if the fobs on pre-2000's can be re-programmed. 2001- are unique to the car unless someone kept the program key which notit-one does. I ended up fitting a remote start system with a hidden chipped key.

Neil.

Good reminder/tip. So, I'll inquire locally for an aftermarket solution for the remote/lock/unlock, unless Volvo is so locked up they can't interface...

Post by **abscate** » 11 Jun 2020, 02:59

On a 1999 and later, the tithe to the Church of the Volvo God for a fob is indeed steep.

Keys can be had for under $50, fobs are a lot more

Both require a visit to the dealer ( or High Priest/ess with VIDA subscription )with the car physicallypresent.

tombrisk · Post by **tombrisk** » 11 Jun 2020, 07:35

I kinda knew that I was joining a cult when I pulled the trigger on this thing, but diddly dang! Worse than paying my 'BMW tax'!

Side note: Vashon Island, just off West Seattle is known as granola/Birkenstock/hairy-legged wymmen Volvo-land.

Post by **scot850** » 11 Jun 2020, 14:11

Could be worse. 5 years ago we bought a 2 year old Kia Optima from the local dealer. Picked it up to find only one fob. Not happy but they would not budge on a second key. To buy in Canada at the time was $415 CDN + tax for the fob, an additional $85 for a cut mechanical door key, and then another $100 for the programming of the fob!!

Fob and key bought from US dealer was $140 US. Key not cut, but local locksmith cut it for $15. Still had the programming cost.

What was worse was that the same fob and uncut key could be had from South Korea with airmail shipping for $100 CDN!!

It just sucks.

Neil