Immobiliser and key questions for P2 S40

[CharlesStevenson]

I don't know whether my two questions are appropriate for an open forum, but as we've had similar discussions re the 940 alarm on another section, here goes:-

My car's a p2 2000 X reg and came with, as many do by this age, only 1 key and 1 immobiliser.

Q1 is ref the immobiliser:

In a bid to DIY and save costs, I've read that, rather than purchase a single new fob to be matched to the existing one, it's cheaper to purchase a second hand pair with their matching immobiliser unit and then fit the unit so they will communicate. Is this easy to fit? Is it simply a case of swapping components, eg top sensor and a box somewhere, or is re-coding still required?

Q2 is ref the key:

Rather than purchase a new key, I've read suggestions as to getting two non-volvo keys cut from somewhere and simply leaving the key with the immobiliser hidden up behind the ignition lock. Clearly that's not 'secure' but bearing in mind the purchase price of my car, it's something to consider.

Whilst I've read both these suggestions on here, I've not seen any comments from people that have found them workable so, has anyone used either of the above routes to save spending their cash at their local Volvo ATM?

Thoughts chaps?

[ilikewatch]

Originally Posted by CharlesStevenson

I don't know whether my two questions are appropriate for an open forum, but as we've had similar discussions re the 940 alarm on another section, here goes:-

My car's a p2 2000 X reg and came with, as many do by this age, only 1 key and 1 immobiliser.

Q1 is ref the immobiliser:

In a bid to DIY and save costs, I've read that, rather than purchase a single new fob to be matched to the existing one, it's cheaper to purchase a second hand pair with their matching immobiliser unit and then fit the unit so they will communicate. Is this easy to fit? Is it simply a case of swapping components, eg top sensor and a box somewhere, or is re-coding still required?

Q2 is ref the key:

Rather than purchase a new key, I've read suggestions as to getting two non-volvo keys cut from somewhere and simply leaving the key with the immobiliser hidden up behind the ignition lock. Clearly that's not 'secure' but bearing in mind the purchase price of my car, it's something to consider.

Whilst I've read both these suggestions on here, I've not seen any comments from people that have found them workable so, has anyone used either of the above routes to save spending their cash at their local Volvo ATM?

Thoughts chaps?

In Q1, by "immobiliser" are you referring to the lock alarm control module and fobs? If so, then yes I changed this on a previous phase 2, - 15 minute job and you only need the central locking unit and fobs, nothing else, no programming required, the module is located under the stereo. There is a good guide for this written by Gatos: http://www.volvoforums.org.uk/showth...714#post935714 - you only need the first part of the guide.

Q2 - yes, this works - you can just cut the transponder chip out of the key and hide that near the ignition switch, but it's a delicate job to do. If I was hiding the whole key there I would at least cut the blade off so it couldn't turn the ignition, to retain some security!

[druid]

If your going to cut the chip out why not get a shiny new flip key?........Oh that's right - money! Thats why i don't have one yet

[CharlesStevenson]

ilikewatch & druid, thank you. That all sounds promising.

[CharlesStevenson]

Thanks to everyone for the info including the link to http://www.volvoforums.org.uk/showthread.php?t=128100 , however, upon reading the full post it does appear that there might not be much of a cost-saving in going down the second-hand route.

From what I can see, the parts are as follows:

= = =

Parts to replace immobiliser & fobs second-hand:

* Lock Alarm Control
* RC receiver
* Immobiliser Control Unit
* ECU (if fobs not from identical engine model)
* 2x fobs

Or 1x new matched fob from Volvo £100-£130

= = =

Parts to replace keys second-hand:

* Steering column lock barrel
* Driver's door lock barrel
* Boot lock barrel
* Glovebox lock barrel
* 2x keys with chips in

Or 2x keys cut buy your local key-cut shop with no chips and the old key, minus blade, stuffed up in behind the dashboard

Or 1x new matched key from Volvo £100-£130

= = =

After allowing for the time it could take to me do the two full changes it does appear the "pay Volvo to do the work" route, isn't that bad, especially since they (should) guarantee that the new key and fob work with the existing set-up.

It still doesn't make their prices reasonable or fair, however.

Bummer!

[ITSv40]

I recently bought a new key and fob for mine from Volvo. It is the solid key and separate two button fob. Cost of key and fob and programming to fit cost £260. Volvo need the car for 1hour to do the programming.

[ilikewatch]

Originally Posted by CharlesStevenson

Thanks to everyone for the info including the link to http://www.volvoforums.org.uk/showthread.php?t=128100 , however, upon reading the full post it does appear that there might not be much of a cost-saving in going down the second-hand route.

From what I can see, the parts are as follows:

= = =

Parts to replace immobiliser & fobs second-hand:

* Lock Alarm Control
* RC receiver
* Immobiliser Control Unit
* ECU (if fobs not from identical engine model)
* 2x fobs

Or 1x new matched fob from Volvo £100-£130

= = =

Parts to replace keys second-hand:

* Steering column lock barrel
* Driver's door lock barrel
* Boot lock barrel
* Glovebox lock barrel
* 2x keys with chips in

Or 2x keys cut buy your local key-cut shop with no chips and the old key, minus blade, stuffed up in behind the dashboard

Or 1x new matched key from Volvo £100-£130

= = =

After allowing for the time it could take to me do the two full changes it does appear the "pay Volvo to do the work" route, isn't that bad, especially since they (should) guarantee that the new key and fob work with the existing set-up.

It still doesn't make their prices reasonable or fair, however.

Bummer!

The remote fobs have nothing to do with the immobiliser or ignition - you can source a lock alarm control module with two paired fobs, fit these and you're central locking will work with both fobs - I paid about £40 (used) for the module and fobs a couple of years ago. I'm 99.9% certain that the module and fobs don't have to come from a car with the same engine - just the same phase.

Regarding the key/immobiliser you can either:

a) use the workaround you've mentioned - hide your transponder chip near the ignition, then get 2 non-programmed keys cut, about £15 for the pair?

b) get a brand new key and get it paired - the cheapest way I found was to buy the correct key with a blank transponder chip (about £15 cut and delivered?), then get it paired at a dealer (I was quoted £50 but can't remember if that included VAT, probably not.

Or,

c) forget the above, buy a complete lockset, ecu, immobiliser, alarm lock module, keys etc. and fit these - I've seen the complete set sell for about £80 used.

[CharlesStevenson]

Thank you, ilikewatch, for the pricing update, I appreciate it.

I work near a key-cutting shop so I'll check them out in the next few days for their prices as that's a good starting place.

Thx also for clarifying re being able to source a lock alarm control module with two paired fobs on their own - swapping those would certainly be a great saving over the dealer price for a new'un.

It looks like I'm at the lower-end of the learning curve for the x40's at the moment - and I'm finding it all good fun!

Thx

[ITSv40]

Originally Posted by CharlesStevenson

Thank you, ilikewatch, for the pricing update, I appreciate it.

I work near a key-cutting shop so I'll check them out in the next few days for their prices as that's a good starting place.
Thx also for clarifying re being able to source a lock alarm control module with two paired fobs on their own - swapping those would certainly be a great saving over the dealer price for a new'un.

It looks like I'm at the lower-end of the learning curve for the x40's at the moment - and I'm finding it all good fun!

Thx

Before you commit to having a key cut, check out the programming bit with Volvo first. I understand from two separate Volvo dealers that they will only programme keys that they have supplied. It could just be the dealers I have had contact with, but may be a universal response. I enquired at an independent specialist that I have used for many years and they said they could supply and programme a key, but have to buy from Volvo, so could only offer 10% discount on Volvo prices.