Volvo Replacement Key Programming

If you are in need of Volvo replacement key programming, look no further – BOTR Auto Locksmith Ltd can certainly help. If you’re interested in seeing how it is done, keep reading.

Below shows two different types of Volvo. The key programming procedures are different, but the objective is the same; to acquire the 10-digit CEM code. Some vehicles require passwords to enter the immobilizer system to write a key to the car; the CEM code is Volvo’s version of this. Both of these methods require soldering to pull the necessary data from the PCB which can then be decrypted to find out the CEM code.

Different Volvo models require different soldering processes. Demonstrated here are a 2018 Volvo V90 and a 2018 V40 respectively.

The first step of programming a key to a V90 is to get the module out of the vehicle. It is located under the passenger glovebox, and to be honest this is probably the most time consuming part of the whole job. Once you’ve got it out, it will look like this.

Next step is to get the circuit board out of the casing. It’s extremely important that no pins are bent during this process as Volvo modules are more prone to ‘bricking’ than other vehicle modules.

After getting the board out of its casing, you need to have a look at the MCU chip type. This one is a 5748G.

This is needed so that you can then get the appropriate schematic diagram up showing your wire connections. This job is rather more complicated than usual because it involves not only soldering a wiring harness, but also a resistor and supplying external 12V power whilst also supplying a ground connection to that 12V power.

I began by soldering on my resistor and wiring harness.

I then had to solder a ground wire onto the circuit board. If you look above on the schematic diagram at the bottom left, it says ‘+12V’ and ‘GND’. GND is where the ground wire must go and +12V is where I must connect my power. For this, I had to use a separate device.

Above there are two crocodile clips. The one coming out of the 12V terminal clips onto the right-hand metal plate of the battery terminal on the PCB, and the clip coming out of the GND terminal clips onto my ground wire. Once the connections are complete, it will look like this.

Next you have to read the data.

Next, you must save the file and check it to make sure there is data in there; if the file is full of F’s and O’s, you know you got a bad read.

Now that the file is saved, you must clean the pads up so they are nice and tidy. They should look exactly as they did when you first came to the board.

Now, you must clean the board.

I always wipe this last coat of alcohol off with lint free wipes. This way, I’m not leaving behind any microscopic traces of paper. Once this is done, the board goes back in its casing and is ready to be fitted back into the car.

Now I’ll demonstrate the process for pulling the ‘IMMO data’ for the 2018 V40. Like the V90, the CEM module must be removed. Taking a picture of this is extremely important so that you know which fuses go where when it comes to putting the unit back together.

Next, take the fuses out.

Once the fuses are out, remove the circuit board and flip it over to the back. It will look like this.

You will then need the following schematic diagram. This job is a lot more simple than the last as you don’t need to bother with external power or resistors. You do still need to be careful however, as you’re soldering onto a very expensive board.

When complete, it looks like this.

Next, read and save the data.

Once the data is read and saved, the board must be cleaned and cleared of solder. I do use no clean flux, however I still like to make sure the board looks exactly as I found it.

Wipe down with lint-free tissues, and the board is ready to be put back in the car for key learning. Like the V90, the CEM code is acquired once you’re sat in the car connected to the vehicle via OBD.

The last step is to put the fuses back into their designated slots, making sure they’re either upside down or downside up accordingly.

I hope this has been interesting, and if you own a Volvo this is the sort of thing that has to be done before all jobs (regardless of spare key or all keys lost) to acquire the all important CEM code!

If you have a Volvo and are based in Surrey, Berkshire or Hampshire and are in need of a key for it, feel free to get in touch by clicking here. Thanks for reading!