Ok. I have the answer.

I just purchased (after driving a 1989 760 for five years) a used '98 V70XC. The guys looked at the keys they had and it said 1 of 2. They never found the other set (key and fob).

So, ordered a second key from my "used" BMW, Volvo, ROVER dealer that got me a key for under $40. No micro-chip in the 1998 keys (that started in the '99 models). If it did have a chip, then the key has to be "programmed" to work with the car.

Now, I bought two USED fobs off ebay for a mere $26.00 shipped! If one's bad, who cares? Anyway, there were other posts in the archives that sort of describe the situation.

1) The V70 can be programmed for up to 4 fobs.

2) The programming CANNOT be done without the Volvo OBD Scan Tool (VST). My "used" dealer cannot afford or doesn't want to buy one. They cost somewhere like $15,000 on up.

3) I got TWO quotes from Volvo dealers. Dealer 1, quoted $38.00 for 1/2 of work. Dealer 2, quoted $145.00 for all kinds of "download new code" and other garbage. Dealer 2 didn't realize he was talking to a guy who soldered computers together when I was in High School in the mid-80's. He obviously didn't want to do the work or wants to make a bundle of $$$. Not from me. But, Dealer 1 told me I needed to have the "frequency codes" that came with the fobs. He was an idiot too. He gave me this line, "Did you buy them off eBay?" Like that was below his standards.

4) YOU NEED TO FIND OUT YOUR REMOTE CODE from the Volvo database FROM A VOLVO DEALER. There is a Radio code (4 digit), a remote code (4 digit) and a "Lock" code (4 digit). I now know all three of my codes thanks to my friendly "used" dealer. Without the Remote code, the VST and fobs cannot reprogram the car's computer. The code essentially is punched in on the VST and tells the car, "Hey, I'm authorized to tell you to wipe your existing frequency codes and now listen for the new ones." Therefore, they need all "working" fobs and the new fobs because they reprogram for all of them. Dealer 1 was off his rocker. The funny part is he gave me the story about the codes on each fob over the phone. When I showed up in person (after obtaining my remote code and telling him I had it) he then asked one of his techs what was needed to program the fobs for my car. The tech said, "Fobs, remote code and the VST." Duh. The guy made himself look like a complete idiot after trying to make me look and feel foolish.

Personally, I'm disgusted with the attitude I was given by both the service managers at both Volvo dealers that I called. They were arrogant and thought I was pretty stupid about these cars. What they don't realize is how much they look stupid to a guy with a BS and MS in Electrical Engineering whose got a ace up his sleeve -- www.brickboard.com. But, that's my opinion. I'm sure there's some nice, "want to work with you" Volvo dealer guys out there. Evidently not in my area.

Good luck.

Oh, one other thing. Both dealers would not do a "drop-in" service. I had to schedule the reprogramming for 10 days later! Unreal. Talk about customer-service inept. They could make a quick $38 but since they don't want to "squeeze" any extra's in during the day, they get a snotty attitude from me.

I'm hoping my "Used" volvo dealer gets a VST. If you find someone with one, make sure you don't tick them off. Unless they are the dealer.