In searching for a different keyless remote other than the big and bulky switch-blade type for the 2004 S-80; I found a used one on E-bay and a new one at another site with the same FCC numbers on it. When I called my dealer to find out about programming it to fit my car, they told me that it would cost about $200. This did not sound reasonable; so I called another dealer out of my general area and asked them and they said they did not know if it wood work or not but would charge (1) hour service ($75.00) whether it worked or not. My question is this: When the FCC number listed in my Volvo manual matches the ones that I have found, why would it not work? These switch-blade type remotes are too heavy and bulky and evidently designed by a man.

My wife totally agrees with you. We recently upgraded to an '04 XC70 from an '01 XC. The charge is justified since this is a security device and must be electronically programmed to match your ignition module. You can use the separate courtesy key that will unlock the driver's door and will work with the ignition, or use the remote separately and the courtesy key combination. Here's a bit of perspective as to why Volvo changed the design on the '04.

Actually, the '01 remote was too delicate and had to me serviced more than the car itself. It appears that Volvo beefed up the remote and the way they integrated the key/switch-blade! The dealer actually said that women complained that the old exposed key was cutting into the lining of women's purses, honestly. I have taught my wife to actually grab the remote with her entire hand and rotate it to start the car. This technique was a bit hard to master, for both of us, but if the remote control problems are solved, then it's progress, but may not suit everyone.
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Cam a.k.a. CVOLVO.COM

No, it has to be programmed by a Volvo dealer
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'90 740 Turbo with lots of upgrade (lady ran a red light and totalled it), 96 960 bone stock (to try to fill the gap that the 740 left me) 83' 242GLT, '78 245DL

Im sure you can find instructions how to program it your self. Maybe $20 if not less.

It isn't possible, it has to be programmed by a Volvo dealership.

When I was buying my Volvo S80 in 2001, one of the cars that I was considering wouldn't start because the key wasn't programmed. They told me that they would only be able to program it when the service department opened since the car need to be connected to the computer system (I assume it is VADIS) for the key to be programmed.