Additional ECU Key Questions

[lastofhiskind]

I have a (US market) 2014 Rapide S with, I assume, the standard set of 1 crystal ECU key, 1 plastic key, and 1 metal physical key. I've two dumb questions that aren't immediately answered by searching the archives.

1) If I acquire another (crystal) key, can I pair it as well and have three functional electronic keys?
2) Assuming it's the right frequency (315 MHz for the US market, I believe), will any crystal key work? I'm asking if they're model specific. In other words, can I buy a used "DB9 key" and have it work with my Rapide? It seems likely but I wanted to verify.

Thanks!

[KevinBird]

Any key will work but it will need to be programmed at a dealer, there’s no DIY for this

[chrzesm]

You have to make sure you get a programming code (4 section code with 4 digits/letters in each) together with the replacement/additi0nal crystal key. This is a unique code per each key needed for programing, otherwise your dealer will not be able to add the key to your car. So, if the second hand key does not have the key code attached, you can only use the key case and engine transponder, however you will not be able to open/close your car.

[Jon39]

Just out of interest. If there is no programming code available, would a dealer be able to establish the required key code, from the car owners other keys?

[woodsypedia]

You can also swap out the insides of the plastic key into a glass key casing as a quick fix. I am looking for a key shell to do the same thing.

Cheers

Chris.

[chrzesm]

Jon39 said:

Just out of interest. If there is no programming code available, would a dealer be able to establish the required key code, from the car owners other keys?

No, the dealer cannot extract the secret code from a key. So without the code, the key is useless. Usually the codes from factory added keys should be included in the user manual somewhere on last pages (they are printed on labels/stickers). However you can buy a new volvo key (much cheaper) with the code and swap the electronics with your crystal key, so you will have a crystal key with the code.

[lastofhiskind]

chrzesm said:

No, the dealer cannot extract the secret code from a key. So without the code, the key is useless. Usually the codes from factory added keys should be included in the user manual somewhere on last pages (they are printed on labels/stickers). However you can buy a new volvo key (much cheaper) with the code and swap the electronics with your crystal key, so you will have a crystal key with the code.

What model Volvo keys are compatible in this way?

[cornershop]

Well this is disappointing news. I’ve just bought a second hand but mint glass key.... no code supplied.

[chrzesm]

lastofhiskind said:

What model Volvo keys are compatible in this way?

Volvo 30772194 key is 433MHz (Europe) and has the same circuit. This one should work fine for Europe https://www.volvopartswebstore.com/products/Volvo/... If you have 315MHz (US), you should look for 30772194 equivalent.

[Big Ry]

cornershop said:

Well this is disappointing news. I’ve just bought a second hand but mint glass key.... no code supplied.

Give Works parts department a bell, they'll soon tell you what's what.

I honestly don't know, however I'd be surprised if the likes of Works couldn't code a key from scratch.

[cornershop]

Big Ry said:

cornershop said:

Well this is disappointing news. I’ve just bought a second hand but mint glass key.... no code supplied.

Give Works parts department a bell, they'll soon tell you what's what.

I honestly don't know, however I'd be surprised if the likes of Works couldn't code a key from scratch.

thanks, my local is HWM - will try them first.

Might be easier just to transfer the internal from the plastic key to the new glass body. Assuming this will give me full functionality - starting and door control?

[Big Ry]

I'd certainly be asking a dealer the question before butchering your existing key. It "might" be simpler than you think.

Works did a glass key for me a few years back. They wheeled some big machine up to the car, did some voodoo and and then a new key was born, took them 10 minutes.