2000 S70 immobilizer bypass?

itsmekirby · Post by **itsmekirby** » 27 Mar 2024, 10:58

I lost my key 100 miles from the closest dealer. New volvo-cut key is on the way, my understanding is it will open the doors right away but will not start the car until programmed. The tow is going to be very expensive obviously. Is there any way, even a laborious way, to bypass the system? Perhaps I can try to find a matching key+immob from a junkyard and swap it out and tape that key to the antenna ring? Or perhaps I can pull some parts from my car and just bring those parts to the dealer for programming?

jmartin919 · Post by **jmartin919** » 27 Mar 2024, 12:01

No need to replace the immobilizer unless you know it's damaged. I would expect the new key to be programmed to the VIN of your car and will start it but I could well be wrong.

xanthefin · Post by **xanthefin** » 27 Mar 2024, 12:13

itsmekirby wrote: ↑27 Mar 2024, 10:58 I lost my key 100 miles from the closest dealer. New volvo-cut key is on the way, my understanding is it will open the doors right away but will not start the car until programmed. The tow is going to be very expensive obviously. Is there any way, even a laborious way, to bypass the system? Perhaps I can try to find a matching key+immob from a junkyard and swap it out and tape that key to the antenna ring? Or perhaps I can pull some parts from my car and just bring those parts to the dealer for programming?

If you want Program key or edit manually the immo data it happens like this (you can follow same process on 2000 P80 S70):

What kind of key you getting and where from?
If its from Volvo good its ready to program (you need though Immobilizer PIN code from Volvo and if got with VIN code you proparly getting it with the key) , if from locksmith i suspect not good then (no chip or blank chip).

If you gonna swap immo you need swap the ECM too as its 99/00 year models.

itsmekirby · Post by **itsmekirby** » 27 Mar 2024, 14:31

xanthefin wrote: ↑27 Mar 2024, 12:13 If you want Program key or edit manually the immo data it happens like this (you can follow same process on 2000 P80 S70):

What kind of key you getting and where from?
If its from Volvo good its ready to program (you need though Immobilizer PIN code from Volvo and if got with VIN code you proparly getting it with the key) , if from locksmith i suspect not good then (no chip or blank chip).

If you gonna swap immo you need swap the ECM too as its 99/00 year models.

I believe the key is coming from the Volvo factory and they tell me it will let me in the door but not start the car. I mean I'll give it a shot when it arrives tomorrow but am expecting the key to need programming.

So it's possible to program it myself with an ELM327?

itsmekirby · Post by **itsmekirby** » 27 Mar 2024, 14:32

I'm comfortable wiring up some hack that bypasses whatever effect the immobilizer has just to let me drive to town and avoid a huge tow bill.

xanthefin · Post by **xanthefin** » 27 Mar 2024, 15:09

itsmekirby wrote: ↑27 Mar 2024, 14:31

I believe the key is coming from the Volvo factory and they tell me it will let me in the door but not start the car. I mean I'll give it a shot when it arrives tomorrow but am expecting the key to need programming.

So it's possible to program it myself with an ELM327?

Yes its possible add key with ELM327 (if its ELM327 with full set of V1.4b level of firmware as many Chinese doesn't have all functionality included.. so only that they work with basic OBDII commands)

I dont know do they sell only mechanical keys or programmable keys and which one coming now.

If programmable key (its preprogrammed mostly -- as in video mentioned immo wont detect totally blank chips) then PIN code i seen coming with those _usually_ for the car but at least Dealership has access for PIN code.

P.S. In my limited knowledge database ( so far ) only ( i know ) Mercedes-Benz has keys which has ability to program itself into car.

Post by **abscate** » 28 Mar 2024, 04:11

In North American, there has not been a successful programming of a key to a 1999 or 2000 model without a VIDA subscription. That key will open the car, start the car for three seconds after which it will stall.

That tow is in your future. Maybe rent a dolly from Uhaul for $60 and pull it to dealer with that.

xanthefin · Post by **xanthefin** » 28 Mar 2024, 06:09

abscate wrote: ↑28 Mar 2024, 04:11 In North American, there has not been a successful programming of a key to a 1999 or 2000 model without a VIDA subscription. That key will open the car, start the car for three seconds after which it will stall.

That tow is in your future. Maybe rent a dolly from Uhaul for $60 and pull it to dealer with that.

.. as no tools.. yet

jmartin919 · Post by **jmartin919** » 28 Mar 2024, 06:48

itsmekirby, what did that key cost you?

itsmekirby · Post by **itsmekirby** » 28 Mar 2024, 08:54

jmartin919 wrote: ↑28 Mar 2024, 06:48 itsmekirby, what did that key cost you?

$80, ordered through an indie Volvo mechanic

Based on my research so far I agree I need the tow. No cell signal out there means DIY through legit VIDA isn't an option for me either since it needs to be online. That ELM YouTube vid does claim their technique works on 99-00 but without independent confirmation I don't trust it. Thanks for all the helpful replies all. Next time I'll get a '98