Aftermarket flip key problem 2003 XC90

geirmeister · Post by **geirmeister** » 22 Feb 2023, 06:06

I got a flip key from ebay, got the blade cut by a locksmith.Looking at it, it seemss OK, it turns in the lock OK, electrics come on, but it does not start, even when I hold the old key and remote close to the new. The plan was to swap over the circuit board but have not done that yet due to this problem. Have anybody made this work?

Geir

Post by **ggleavitt** » 22 Feb 2023, 09:05

Volvo key has an RF transponder embedded for authorization (antenna ring around the ignition switch, UEM does the check).

Exactly as you describe, key will turn in the ignition lock but engine starter will not engage without the key transponder being programmed to the vehicle. The remote is a separate 315 or 433Mhz connection to the vehicle, just for operating doors, arrival lighting, and panic.

If you have a transponder in the ebay key, you'll need to program the vehicle to use it. If you don't have a transponder, you'll need to buy a proper Volvo key (PN 31253386) with a transponder. Programming is possible with a software load (normally done at dealer) but there are alternative means to program a key (third party using a separate vehicle interface with PC and remote access as example). As a side note, the Volvo key blanks are made from steel and many local locksmith side cutters won't be able to cut them so check first.

Pretty common occurrence, you'll see a few posts on this site and others for folks with the same scenario.

Post by **MoVolvos** » 22 Feb 2023, 09:35

ggleavitt wrote: ↑22 Feb 2023, 09:05
Volvo key has an RF transponder embedded for authorization (antenna ring around the ignition switch, UEM does the check).

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I'm wondering if the guts can be swapped into the new key shell like that of my 2007 S60 2.5T? Arrow indicates where the old glass trandponder was located. Have to be careful when cuting it out. Can also use sandpaper initially to sand away large portions of the plastic, in hind sight

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DEWALT 25 mm Metal Body Snap-Off Knife

https://www.homedepot.com/p/DEWALT-25-m ... /202710467

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: 2007 S60 2.5T Key Case Swap.png (2.96 MiB) Viewed 842 times

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Post by **ggleavitt** » 22 Feb 2023, 09:55

As in this thread- viewtopic.php?p=144896 , assumes you have a functional switchblade key and can swap out the transponder to a new shell.

Post by **MoVolvos** » 22 Feb 2023, 10:14

ggleavitt wrote: ↑22 Feb 2023, 09:55 As in this thread- viewtopic.php?p=144896 , assumes you have a functional switchblade key and can swap out the transponder to a new shell.

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Thanks, much nicer and more detailed write up!

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geirmeister · Post by **geirmeister** » 22 Feb 2023, 15:35

ggleavitt wrote: ↑22 Feb 2023, 09:05 Volvo key has an RF transponder embedded for authorization (antenna ring around the ignition switch, UEM does the check).

Exactly as you describe, key will turn in the ignition lock but engine starter will not engage without the key transponder being programmed to the vehicle. The remote is a separate 315 or 433Mhz connection to the vehicle, just for operating doors, arrival lighting, and panic.

If you have a transponder in the ebay key, you'll need to program the vehicle to use it. If you don't have a transponder, you'll need to buy a proper Volvo key (PN 31253386) with a transponder. Programming is possible with a software load (normally done at dealer) but there are alternative means to program a key (third party using a separate vehicle interface with PC and remote access as example). As a side note, the Volvo key blanks are made from steel and many local locksmith side cutters won't be able to cut them so check first.

Pretty common occurrence, you'll see a few posts on this site and others for folks with the same scenario.

Well, I have the older straight key, with a triangularish remote keyfob with 4 buttons. I would expect the car to start when I hold the original key close to the antenna and use the new key in the lock. Is there supposed to be any indication in the alarm display that the start inhibit is active? For this model, is the RFID chip in the key grip or the remote keyfob?

Post by **ggleavitt** » 22 Feb 2023, 17:16

Yeah, switchblade doesn't get delivered before MY05, my bad. And I did not pay attention to the old key being next to the lock when you tried the new key, that contains the transponder being spoken about earlier (in the case of the straight key it's cast in the head).

I don't think you get a DIM message on a bad key, only see it when you read the vehicle codes. One would think that the chip that's embedded in the straight key would still be functioning, leading next to the antenna ring (active module that fits around the lock) as a possible area to look at next. To be honest, I think the best approach might be to get the vehicle codes read and see if there's a clear area to investigate.

Let me back this up for a sec though (please). When did the old key stop working and how does the new key fit into the picture?

Post by **ggleavitt** » 23 Feb 2023, 06:54

I was re-reading the flip key repair thread and came across this sentence, have no idea if it's true but wanted to note:

"When I went to try my key after the fix, it wouldn't start and display message "start prevented". If this happens to you, don't panic. Simply lock and unlock the car with your remote 5 times total. What this does is restart your immobilizer so that it can recognize your transponder again."

Would not hurt to try the 5x remote thing and the comment about a "start prevented" message may also be valid (never seen it myself with a no transponder key but maybe I was not paying attention).

**Still would like to understand how the old and new keys come about if you can provide context. Thanks

geirmeister · Post by **geirmeister** » 23 Feb 2023, 15:13

The old keys are working perfectly. I heard some of the guys at my local Volvo workshop had converted the old type key to switchblade. So, when I found a blank switchblade on ebay, I figured I might as well try

Tried to google it but all I can find is for replacing the case of already switchblade keys. If it is an easy fix like if the transponder was in the fob, I would try, but I'm not too keen on digging the transponder out from the old key grip. It could be when I tested the new key, the transponder was not close enough, don't know anything about the range of this system. When i used the proper key, it just started, no need to reset the immobiliser.

Post by **ggleavitt** » 24 Feb 2023, 12:25

Thanks for the background, everything makes perfect sense now.

I've only owned MY05 onward so have had experience with the integrated key/remote. I'm not sure what your key looks like but if it's something like in the link- viewtopic.php?t=61212 , it could be possible. The transponder shape is different but you could make that work in the switchblade case if you needed to.

At a more general level, all module software on this vehicle comes from Volvo and is sold as "packages". To do a key add (program the upper electronics module or UEM) you need to purchase the appropriate software package (~ $30) then add the tech labor to connect to the vehicle and perform the programming. That's how it's classically done (I've had to replace 4 of these over 3 vehicles, remote is a second software package).

Alternatively, if you're okay with having someone remote into your vehicle via an internet connected interface (they provide or you provide), you can probably find someone who'll do a new transponder program for less than the dealer.