Getting Volvo key cut, plus FOB concern Topic is solved

Post by **CIK7** » 12 Dec 2019, 06:47

I spent the last two days calling around and looking around at who could cut a key for my 1998 V70 XC. Tulsa, Texarkana, OKC, Paris, Sulfur Springs, Mt Pleasant, DFW dealers and locksmiths. I live in Antlers, OK. The closest I could find was Grubbs Volvo in the Dallas metro area. No other dealer or locksmith was able to help me with getting it cut whether it be because of not having a machine or because the price was so high. The dealer in Tulsa knew that it didn't have a chip but yet he would have to charge me twice the price because they would have to *download software onto the key*. I gave his answer to the crest Volvo in Dallas and he thought that was funny. Now if all I have to do is get the key cut and the car is not equipped with an immobilizer or chip, then what is it about the car that requires the key fob to be so expensive ($250-450) and only come from the dealer? Is there not a cheaper way?

configsys · Post by **configsys** » 12 Dec 2019, 07:03

If you already have an original key, do not need a fob and If you are certain your key doesn't have a chip in it, than it's simply a matter of cutting the key. My neighbor who is a locksmith cut mine but my key had a chip in it. I would see if you can get an uncut key on eBay or even one of those newer 2001-2004 flip-blade key fob than come with an uncut key and use that. You obviously won't be able to use the fob functions but the key portion should work fine.

Post by **CIK7** » 12 Dec 2019, 07:16

configsys wrote: ↑12 Dec 2019, 07:03 If you already have an original key, do not need a fob and If you are certain your key doesn't have a chip in it, than it's simply a matter of cutting the key. My neighbor who is a locksmith cut mine but my key had a chip in it. I would see if you can get an uncut key on eBay or even one of those newer 2001-2004 flip-blade key fob than come with an uncut key and use that. You obviously won't be able to use the fob functions but the key portion should work fine.

So does that mean there is no cheap option for a functional fob? What's the difference between an 850 fob and sv70 fob? I say this because the 98 sv70 is a facelift and update of 850. Link to Robert Spinner's (RobertDIY) programming:

Post by **scot850** » 12 Dec 2019, 09:49

I have had Volvo keys cut at locksmiths. Not all locksmiths have a machine that can cut both sides. Volvo can also order them pre-cut.

As for fobs, I believe they can be reused. 850 can be self programmed. 98 and on need dealer programming as I understand it.

Neil.

configsys · Post by **configsys** » 12 Dec 2019, 09:57

From my experience, you will need a new factory key fob and a Volvo dealer needs to program it. I don't know anyone who has successfully programmed a previously used key fob onto another vehicle.

My 2000 V70R has the chip embedded into the key and I purchased a flip-blade key fob on eBay where I transplanted the electronics of the old fob and chip into the new fob and everything worked. I only have one functional fob and I researched how to get another one but the answers all pointed me back to the dealer so my other key is fob-less (it actually has a fob but it is non-functional).

Klausc · Post by **Klausc** » 12 Dec 2019, 12:43

I went to my dealer's parts dept and got a new key for my 1998. Cost less than $15, but that was a few years ago. When talking to dealers, always talk to the parts dept, the reps and sales people know nothing. The parts guy that cut my key needed the VIN, not the old key. I made sure it worked in the door, lift gate, and glovebox before trying the ignition.

A remote has to be programmed by the dealer beginning with 1998 cars.

Post by **erikv11** » 12 Dec 2019, 15:03

What Klausc said!!! ^^^

Key for a 98 should be very cheap, just may take time to find someone who isn't trying to gouge you. It is just a cut job.

Fob for a 98 is dealer-only, or someone with dealer software.

Post by **RickHaleParker** » 12 Dec 2019, 17:39

CIK7 wrote: ↑12 Dec 2019, 06:47 The dealer in Tulsa knew that it didn't have a chip but yet he would have to charge me twice the price because they would have to *download software onto the key*.

I had a independent locksmith cut keys for my '97 S90 & '98 C70. It cost me $30.00 per key. I supplied the blanks. .

By "download software onto the key" they most likely meant download the original cut profile to the cutting machine.

The machine does not copy the key. It scans the key, uploads the profile to a service. The service figures out the original cut profile and downloads cutting instructions to the machine. This way wear and tear is not transferred to the new key. The cost of the service is what drives up the cost.

Post by **abscate** » 12 Dec 2019, 17:42

RickHaleParker wrote: ↑12 Dec 2019, 17:39
CIK7 wrote: ↑12 Dec 2019, 06:47 The dealer in Tulsa knew that it didn't have a chip but yet he would have to charge me twice the price because they would have to *download software onto the key*.
I had a independent locksmith cut keys for my '97 S90 & '98 C70.

By "download software onto the key" they most likely meant download the original cut profile to the cutting machine.

The machine does not copy the key. It scans the key, uploads the profile to a service. The service figures out the original cut profile and downloads cutting instructions to the machine. This way wear and tear is not transferred to the new key. The cost of the service is what drives up the cost.

I learned something new today.

Post by **CIK7** » 12 Dec 2019, 19:18

abscate wrote: ↑12 Dec 2019, 17:42
RickHaleParker wrote: ↑12 Dec 2019, 17:39
CIK7 wrote: ↑12 Dec 2019, 06:47 The dealer in Tulsa knew that it didn't have a chip but yet he would have to charge me twice the price because they would have to *download software onto the key*.
I had a independent locksmith cut keys for my '97 S90 & '98 C70.

By "download software onto the key" they most likely meant download the original cut profile to the cutting machine.

The machine does not copy the key. It scans the key, uploads the profile to a service. The service figures out the original cut profile and downloads cutting instructions to the machine. This way wear and tear is not transferred to the new key. The cost of the service is what drives up the cost.
I learned something new today.

Me too!