Immobilizer issue ?

[cornclose]

Got in the car this morning, turned the key, lights came on, but no starter motor. Then I noticed a message in the display;

"IMMOBILIZER - CHECK MANUAL"

So, I checked the manual and read about transponder codes matching in the car and in the key. I guess the key I was using somehow has got out of sync - been fine at all other times as I've been using it almost daily for the past year.

Anyway, luckily I was still at me house, so went inside to get the other set. Thankfully, she started first time.

So...

Does this mean that I now have a dead key that won't work until it's reprogrammed ? How is that done ? Is it Volvo dealer only or can a specialist (like DPA in Nottingham) do it ?

Cheers guys.

[v70torslanda]

If DPA have VIDA on-line they may be able to download the software for the key configuration. If not it will need the local dealer.

Are you certain that the key is dead? I've not come across that before.

J

[cornclose]

Having googled a little it seems others have had this issue (mainly in the USA) and the theory is that the key itself may be at fault, which is why the spare worked straight away.

Having said that, googling also reveals that not using the suspected duff key for at least 5 hours allows the car to re-sync with the key on the next attempt. Sure enough, it now works again.

I'll see how it goes over the next few months, but if anyone has any further info, I'd appreciate it.

Thanks