1998 V70 NA - Ignition key replacement

[scot850]

After my debacle last weekend when my friends car decided to lock itself with the one and only fob and key in it, I am looking at a spare key for the car. I spoke to the local dealer and the key was about $85 CDN for a blank!! Then $152 for a cut key.

I was staggered at the cost of the key. I thought that may have been for a shipped key, but no. The parts foreman I know well and he had a 98 T5 and was a mechanic at Volvo so he knows his P80's.

I found another key at a dealer that was only $15 for a blank but that is apparently only a 'valet' key. As it has been probably over 15 years since I had one of those can someone remind my failing brain what the differences are?

If I recall the valet key opens the drivers' door and will start the car, but does not open the trunk/tailgate or glove box??

If I am correct them the owner won't care as they don't lock the glove box and being a wagon it has the internal handle worst case. As the key is just for a back up would a valet key be just fine?

I know there are aftermarket keys out there, on Ebay for example. Can anyone recommend a source for a blank or 2? I can get the keys cut locally relatively cheap if I recall.

Thanks, Neil.

[scot850]

Here, answered my own question! Should have checked Robert DIY videos where he clearly identifies the differences:



Thanks Robert!

Neil.

[Bragg Creek]

Hi Neal,
Chris here from Bragg Creek. Saw this post and it reminded me that I never got a replacement key for my 850 wagon. The key cutting place in the NE that you recommended wanted 25 dollars to cut a key but they did not have any blank keys. Found them for a cheap price at:

https://www.volvovancouverparts.ca/p/Vo ... 47947.html
It may work for your needs...Chris

[scot850]

That key is the valet key and not the 'full' key Chris. I may go that route as I mentioned above as it is only for emergencies as the lady only has one fob and key, so anything that can open a door to recover that would be handy. The blank from Volvo of Vancouver is around $60 if I recall. There are much cheaper options out there for non-OE blanks.

Wow, that is inflation for you! $25 for the key cutting now. Ouch! There is another place in the NE that claims to cut and program keys. I will talk to them at some point and let you know if I have any success there.

Neil.

[P80GLT]

I think it would be possible to file the valet key to allow it to be used as a master key

keys.jpg (51.31 KiB) Viewed 421 times

[scot850]

Maybe be worth a try. Thanks for the idea!

Neil.