2003 V70 T5 Key Swap

Mountainman45 · Post by **Mountainman45** » 20 May 2020, 13:29

So I'm at a loss. I have a 2003 V70 T5 that has been sitting for close to 2yrs. Somewhere along the way the original keys were lost and being the broke student I am, I decided to get resourceful rather than go to Volvo for $400 worth of new keys and programming.
I went to my local junk yard and found a door lock, ignition lock and key for $20. Knowing Volvo and their anti-theft systems, I also grabbed the antenna ring around the ignition switch. Now, I finally got everything installed (NOT EASY TO DO) and went to turn the key and not so much as a clicking starter. Unfortunately, the previous owner (my father) tried swapping a R cluster into it and I found out that the little message area in the bottom left corner doesn't work. So I can't even tell if its the immobilizer. I also don't know how to reset the immobilizer without a key fob

Long story short... I'm wondering if there's another piece to the anti theft system that I didn't grab. Something specific to each car??

Post by **abscate** » 20 May 2020, 16:37

Inside the key Is an RF chip which will only work with an ECU that is programmed to accept it.

From 1999 on, you need VIDA and a server connection to program an ECU to accept a key.

Losing a key on a Volvo is a painful, expensive lesson

Mountainman45 · Post by **Mountainman45** » 20 May 2020, 18:58

Oh I have access to people with Vida. It's not the worst thing in the world. I also PERSONALLY have access to a Snap-On Verus Diagnostic Center at work. (Can read as many things as Vida if not more) I should be able to program it tomorrow at work.

Now sightly off topic, the instrument cluster.... Do I also need Vida to mate it to the car?

Post by **- Pete -** » 20 May 2020, 19:19

Member Yagger does this sort of work very regularly & his rates are very affordable. He doesn’t post much, so maybe send him a PM.

Post by **vtl** » 20 May 2020, 22:25

You need all of: VIDA Online active subscription, new (empty) key, bar code sticker from the packet with the key. The immobilizer chip is programmed once, after that it can't be reprogrammed.

Post by **darrylrobert** » 22 May 2020, 03:55

I hope you have better luck than me, i emailed a few key cutting places that say they do Volvo keys/RFID programming but no reply after 1 week. I have bought two P2 cars and with each car only given one key. I think the RFID chips in many keys stopped working. Its an expensive trip to the dealer if you cant get anyone online to do it.

Post by **abscate** » 22 May 2020, 04:53

They key is about $50 programmed at a good independent with VIDA AND SERVER subscription.

The fob is more expensive

Post by **darrylrobert** » 22 May 2020, 20:46

For anyone wanting the "R" blue facia cluster look to replace your standard DIM, the best way is to take apart your original working DIM and remove/swap the gauges, it should work. If it doesnt remove the gauge needle and replace the facia (it peels off ).

It may be possible to buy the facia aftermarket?

: r face cluster

Mountainman45 · Post by **Mountainman45** » 23 Jun 2020, 12:37

So here's a wild concept.... I've been doing some digging around the wiring diagrams and such and came to an odd conclusion.. if the part numbers are the same what's stopping me from simply pulling the CEM out of the donor car. Since it already has the key programmed into it and it's also a v70. Is there anything mated VIN-wise to the ECU?

Post by **abscate** » 23 Jun 2020, 20:10

The CEM IS CODED vin specific.

Xemodex can reprogram a CEM Vida cloning if you want a match a current one.