Yes, they are telling the truth. The key has a transponder in it and the car must be programmed to recognize the transponder. It's an anti-theft thing. The car is conected to the VADIS P/C, software is downloaded to the car, the key is inserted in the ignition, and the programming button ids pressed and the car will now recognize the key and engine will start. Without the programming, all you can do is unlock the door and listen to the radio. By the way, the software is about $20. $80 is cheap. We get an hour labor at $96, plus software, plus key. Now to the remotes. Same procedure. However, the remote comes with a code number that has to be entered at time of programming. If you don't have the specefic code number for that remote, it is useless. Therefor, if you see a used remote advertised on E-bay cheap, make sure the code # is included. The remotes do not have a serial # and there is no way to get the code once it's lost. On older cars, (through 97), the remotes were owner programable. Starting in 98, you need the Volvo scan tool and a P.I.N. number for the S/V/C 70 through 2000. 99 and up S-80, 2001 and up V-70 and S-60 all require the P/C plus software. And no, Volvo does not provide consomer downloads of the software.