2004 xc70 valet keys programming problems

[heribertobabilonia]

Hello all,
I purchased a 2004 XC70 this past October (2015) and it only came with the key fob. I wanted two valet keys, one to be used for a remote starter I want to install, one to keep at home, so I went to a local volvo dealership yesterday and they were going to program both keys (purchased from them at $45 ea.), all of which would total $215, which is not bad considering two other dealerships wanted $398 and $465.

So the tech starts programming the keys and comes back saying that there is a communication error with the TCM and can't program the keys. He also said he would have to do more diagnosis with the TCM and CEM in order to find a solution. He said he could program the keys with a workaround, after the additional diagnosis proves suitable, but it would cost an additional $215 and it is not guaranteed to work (because it would be like a "short-cut").

He asked if the car had had any programming done before but I didn't know, he said it could have been reprogrammed by another shop or dealership. The carfax report states that a volvo dealership reprogrammed the computer on Sept. 20th, 2010. I didn't have the report with me at the time so I didn't tell the tech. Should I have my local volvo dealership contact the other dealership that reprogrammed the computer? Any suggestions/alternatives?

Thanks,
Javier

[doublebug]

Actually a bit strange explanation about TCM. It has nothing to do with keys programming.
Is 2004 model year of your car according to your VIN number?

[heribertobabilonia]

Hi doublebug,

Thanks for replying, I really appreciate it.

As far as I know, the VIN corresponds to the 2004 model year.

I found one additional "Computer reprogrammed" entry on the carfax report. I called the first dealerships but they had already "purged" records because it had been more than 3 years (Sept 2011). I visited the second dealership 'cause it's only 20 minutes from my home, and the service repair manager said that they did reprogram the computer there on Nov 2012 but that there are no details on what was programmed because that is an "umbrella" term they use for software updates and such. Mind you, this is the dealership that also replaced the water pump, timing and serpentine belts, power steering pump, and yet they don't have details on what was done through the programming. Truth be told, I dunno' if this is typical Volvo (or any other shop) practice on not noting specifics. The guy did say that if there's a problem communicating with the TCM it would not be possible to program the valet keys because that is the module necessary to do such thing. (???) Both dealerships are authorized Volvo retailers.

I'm learning Volvo mechanical systems and have been able do quite a bit myself (I have worked on all my previous cars), but I won't even touch electrical/electronic systems until I am educated enough, and even then I'll probably take the car to a Volvo dealership for electrical/electronic problems. Is there a way read the firmware version on the car's DIM or is this something only a Volvo tech has access to?

The one thing I did was the "hidden" diagnosis (http://mr-fix.info/volvo-hidden-menu-dtc-check) and got all sorts of readings. Results as follows:

CHECKING DTCS -- No DTCS SET
BCM CHECKING -- holds
SRS READY
TCM CHECKIN -- holds
ECM CHECKING -- holds
DEM READY
AUM READY
CEM CHECKING -- holds
DIM READY
DDM CHECKING -- holds
CCM CHECKING -- holds
PDM CHECKING -- holds
OSM CHECKING -- holds
REM CHECKING -- holds
SWM READY
UEM CHECKING -- holds

The ones in which I wrote "--holds" I waited for at least three minutes and nothing came back.

My apologies in advance for such long message. Any information or advice you can offer will certainly be appreciated.
Thanks,
Javier

[abscate]

I had trouble with my key programming at my indie when my alarm system module was out on my P2. That does make sense at least as the alarm system is obviously part of the programming! Had to clean up the alarm box to get that to work.
No Idea why a TCM fault would inhibit key programming though.