V50 General : key fob dealer only???

[theharomaster]

hello
I have a 2007 v50 and I only have one key
I really should get a 2nd!
could someone tell me the best way to get one
I understand only a dealer can code it but how many
times can a key fob be reprogrammed!
can I buy a key from another car and code to mine
thank you

[SimonP2]

Originally Posted by theharomaster

I understand only a dealer can code it but how many times can a key fob be reprogrammed!

As I understand it the key comes with software and a code to activate it -so only once.

Originally Posted by theharomaster

can I buy a key from another car and code to mine

I'd like to know - I can't find a way of getting the spare key for mine to work on the buttons.

[PaddyB]

I've got caught out by only having one key. IIRC the new key cost about £170 all in (blade, fob, lost keys removed, new key added). I bartered hard for what use it did.

There are threads on here about how some have used VIDA to do this for blank keys - I've never seen any thread about re-coding keys for another car. I can understand how this would not be allowed for security reasons.

@SimonP2: if the spare key starts the car you prolly need new batteries

[ratfink_v70_2000]

Dealer only. I paid £220 seven years ago so price may have dropped since then. I think you can have up to five keys issued to car. When you get the new key they recode your existing key with a new code along with the new key. This is in the rare chance someone with your other original key gets in to your car they cannot then start it. You can see how many keys are issued to car in info screen. Mine only came with one key when I bought it but two had been issued.

[cancunia]

I've been doing some investigation into getting new Volvo keys for my '09 C30, I don't know about costs but the process goes something like this..

1, New keys must come with a barcode that a dealer uses to add the key to the car.
2, The barcode is stored centrally by Volvo along with the vehicle ID
3, Adding a key involves 3 sets of costs.

1. The key
2. The dealer's time costs
3. Volvo Online Charges

Unless the key comes with the barcode, or has previously been added to your car, it cannot be used on your car.
VIDA & DICE, software & hardware are used for the coding, but it must be done online to Volvo which means a subscription.
AFAIK, only dealers & registered garages can get a subscription in the UK. In the US, it's possible to get a 7 day subscription, based on what I read on other forums.

[LizardOfBodom]

Its important to highlight one thing - "is it possible or not?" depends on engine type of the car!
I can confirm, 100%, that 1.6D version can have the key cloned OR made in indie locksmith, witnessed it with my own eyes (lost key, guy opened and coded new key without car leaving parking lot).
it is NOT possible to do the same for 5cyl engines (2.4i, T5, D5) as those are really dealer-only.
I am not sure about ford/mazda engines (1.8, 2.0 petrols) but I think its the same as 1.6D so possible to do in good locksmith (same guy that did 1.6D said he often do other models, incl petrol).

Try good indie locksmith, it will cost 2x less than dealership. If he cant do it, then hit dealership.

[brutusmotorsport]

Originally Posted by LizardOfBodom

Its important to highlight one thing - "is it possible or not?" depends on engine type of the car!
I can confirm, 100%, that 1.6D version can have the key cloned OR made in indie locksmith, witnessed it with my own eyes (lost key, guy opened and coded new key without car leaving parking lot).
it is NOT possible to do the same for 5cyl engines (2.4i, T5, D5) as those are really dealer-only.
I am not sure about ford/mazda engines (1.8, 2.0 petrols) but I think its the same as 1.6D so possible to do in good locksmith (same guy that did 1.6D said he often do other models, incl petrol).

Try good indie locksmith, it will cost 2x less than dealership. If he cant do it, then hit dealership.

now that is intrestring. I need another. dealer wanted arm, leg , and my wife.

[LizardOfBodom]

Originally Posted by brutusmotorsport

now that is intrestring. I need another. dealer wanted arm, leg , and my wife.

get the key - you need 2
keep the leg - you need 2
keep the arm - you need 2
guess there is no choice then....

in seriousness - find a AUTO locksmith - the type that specialises in openning cars and cloning keys, they can do miracles. And with one key working already - its basically cloning so your car wont differentiate between 2 but is cheaper that coding another key into ECU.

[bugsb]

read this thread with interest as i only have one key ,so i got in touch with auto keys of northamton, very helpfull guy went into details key type model v50 1.6D 09 ,
they can clone a key but the fob will not work on the doors etc, but would not advise doing it as it may spike the bcm then i would have an evan bigger problem , so it was left in my hands and thought best left alone , as i am covered (have to recheck) by the AA if i loose my key thought i would go that way instead

[eric19371]

If you have one of these keys then it is definitely dealer only. I phoned around about a dozen auto locksmiths in NW Kent/SE London and they all said the same thing. Go to Volvo.