looking for other people's experience here.
I bought my kids a used Volvo (2009).
Car runs great (so far), problem is there is just one key and fob and we'd like a backup.
Our local Volvo dealer says it's $500+ for a replacement Fob. Just a key is ~$100 and I might do that, but would prefer a fob too.
The mechanic we bought the car from said to be wary of online Fob sales, most he said won't work - go to the dealership he said (so, we've explored that, but looking for cheaper options)
I've heard Volvo's are harder than many other manufacturers FWIW to just buy online and expect it to work.
So, has anyone successfully used an online retailer (Amazon or other - like keylessentryremotefob.com) to purchase a replacement fob for a used car?
Saved me $200
Batteries Plus Key Fob - ( New Window )
I've had dupes made for Mazda, Dodge and Mercedes - but in the case of 2 of the 3, I wouldn't have been able to without the original. In the case of the Mazda I had it done in a mall kiosk where I immediately tested (and the first copy didn't work properly, but they ironed out the issue quickly).
Good luck.
And I'll check ebay. But even on ebay - all 2009 Volvo's don't use the same fob frequency, right? Otherwise everyone would be able to open each others cars.
The dealership I called pretty much said the programming is the expensive part.
And I'll check ebay. But even on ebay - all 2009 Volvo's don't use the same fob frequency, right? Otherwise everyone would be able to open each others cars.
The dealership I called pretty much said the programming is the expensive part.
They all use the same frequency, but depending on the make they have different ways of storing security codes which are unique to the fob in question.
In the case of that Mazda, there's an RFID inside the key which slips into the alarm fob, and that has a code that needs to be replicated, which is why you need the original. Without it, the code is only held by the dealer, and you'd need them to program the fob.
The other thing to consider is try calling another dealer. I didn't have either key when I needed a dupe on the MB, and the first dealer I called said $500 as well. I ended up mail ordering a FOB after I faxed a copy of my title with the VIN to verify ownership and got it for $300.
Quote:
for the replies - I do have one working one.
And I'll check ebay. But even on ebay - all 2009 Volvo's don't use the same fob frequency, right? Otherwise everyone would be able to open each others cars.
The dealership I called pretty much said the programming is the expensive part.
They all use the same frequency, but depending on the make they have different ways of storing security codes which are unique to the fob in question.
In the case of that Mazda, there's an RFID inside the key which slips into the alarm fob, and that has a code that needs to be replicated, which is why you need the original. Without it, the code is only held by the dealer, and you'd need them to program the fob.
The other thing to consider is try calling another dealer. I didn't have either key when I needed a dupe on the MB, and the first dealer I called said $500 as well. I ended up mail ordering a FOB after I faxed a copy of my title with the VIN to verify ownership and got it for $300.
Thanks, I'll call another dealer, I just called a local locksmith who advertised fob programming on their website and as soon as I mentioned Volvo he said call a dealership. Not sure if it was the mention of Volvo or just the fob programming in general.
Volvo’s a great car, but they’re money pits. Mine is basically a hobby at this point - any resonable argument regarding the cost to maintain has long since been laid to waste.