Keys

[foggyjames]

So...I left the (only set of) keys to my new 343 (the silver one) with Ozzy...and he's lost them (or more correctly, his Dad has...).

What do I do now? I'll try the stealership on Monday and hope they can make a set up from the chassis number (and hope no-one has changed the locks). There are places which can 'read' locks and make keys, but (given that there are 2 keys on mk1s and mk2s) this is likely to be pricey.

Any other thoughts?

Fingers crossed, the originals will show up...and I'll make copies, pronto! Nessy only ever had one key (still does), but (despite several close calls), I never got caught out. This is just bloody typical!

cheers

James

[trabitom99]

I'll try the stealership on Monday and hope they can make a set up from the chassis number (and hope no-one has changed the locks).

My local dealer managed to do that for my '88 360 - the result wasn't fantastic (the key fob looks like any old Mr. Minit jobbie, and it needs a bit of coaxing to go in the lock) but I was still pleased they were able to get me one!

My Mk1 has three keys: ignition, doors, fuel cap

Keep us updated ...

Tom

[MJ]

Are Mk1 keys the same sort of style as 2 & 3's? If so it'd be worth trying the keys from all your other cars. Whilst I expect Volvo security is better than fords (I think they only had a few different keys for all 80's Fords) one maybe close enough to work

Trying a dealer sounds the best option

[MCHUDD]

Hi mate.
MK1 ignition keys are the same size but the door lock ones are smaller.
Cheers Mark.

[Fuse]

I had keys made for one 300-series door lock once. I had the door handle out so I just took the whole handle to the locksmith and he made a proper key for me. Works great and the it wasn't even expensive if I remember correctly. I might have a receipt somewhere.

[trabitom99]

Otherwise, if all that doesn't work, just get a new set from a MkIII with just one key. I like originality, but having just one key to have to look out for is definitely an improvement worth having

Tom

[petefarrell360]

That's a PITA James! So far, out of all the 300's I've got/had, none of the keys that I've tried have fitted another 300, which is in a way comforting, but theives often operate with one of those one 'key' fits all large object, aka a brick/hammer other blunt instrument.

I have seen Montego's that can be opened with anything that remotely looks like a key though! I have heard that even newer Fords still only have so many key combinations, it's the immobiliser that stops the car actually being stolen, due to the chip in the key or something, but that wouldn't help if if was the contents of the car they are after and can easily gain entry without actually 'breaking' in. It seems to be more the case that a similar key will lock, but won't unlock a car door. I've seen it with some of my other vehicles when I've used the wrong key by mistake, and also when someone I know thought they were doing the right thing by locking their car up with what they thought was the spare key while leaving the car running to defrost one cold morning, but it wasn't the right key, it locked the car but wouldn't unlock it! DOH!

I'm pretty sure that you'll be able to get one from the Stealer Foggy, but as to how much it'll cost, that may be another matter. I've been able to buy spares from the VIN number easily on several vehicles where I've only ever had one key and been paranoid about losing it, but not tried it with Volvo yet.

Pete

[foggyjames]

Thanks guys. Ozzy's Dad thinks he might have dropped them in "the lake" which the car is currently sat in. Fingers crossed he's right, and they magically appear when the (shallow) flood waters recede.

We'll see...

cheers

James

[MJ]

I've seen it with some of my other vehicles when I've used the wrong key by mistake, and also when someone I know thought they were doing the right thing by locking their car up with what they thought was the spare key while leaving the car running to defrost one cold morning, but it wasn't the right key, it locked the car but wouldn't unlock it!

When I was at uni I found a similar thing. My key would lock my house mates door, but not lock it. And the door only had key holes in the outside for fire regs so I could lock him in

[foggyjames]

We once opened the doors on a Maestro using a 240's boot key. Niiiice.

cheers

James

[filthyjohn]

You can open a HB viva with a spoon, and a Manta A with any key you have on you.

[Stefan]

Hope you find the keys but if you find somewere to get replacements let me know i still need some door keys for the black beauty

[shimon340]

hi there

sorry to hear bout your keys but....dealerships can supply replacement keys given the vehicle's chassis number. Also, you might find independent places which can make the replacement key from a code number issued by volvo. There was a locksmith in Barkingside in East London (where I used to live) who could make 2,3,4,7,900 volvo keys from the coding/reference volvo used. This was in....1998, we got a new set of keys for a 340 this way. I guess there must be some way volvo can describe the key pattern for a key cutter.

also, (not quite as helpful), volvo dealers also offer a service where replacement keys can be made without the dealer needing to borrow your key. For example, the boot lock on my 440 is from another car (as is fuel cap) and I only have one key. I asked a dealer about copying it and they say if they send volvo sweden a digital photo to a certain internal volvo standard etc then the replacement keys are sent via the parts system in 3-5 days. pretty cool.

I've not tried the dealer route to replacement keys but as far as Im aware (from speaking to dealers) there are two routes to replacement. 1) volvo supplies the keys based on VIN records or 2) volvo supplies coding which an independent lock smith can use.

unfortunately, I dont have the number of the place in NE London. however, there is a similar place in manchester on Deansgate.

A place used as an "official" repairer to dealerships of some brands is Bolton Locks http://www.boltonlock.co.uk/html/bolt3.html

See the "key cut to key number" service. I think that's the sort of thing the company in London did/does.

just need your key code/number from volvo.....

[Stefan]

I have phoned the 6 dealers closest to me and they all say they do not keep details going back that far, If you want a mk3 key they can do that but not mk1 or 2 they have no code and stock no keys for a mk1.

[Chris_C]

Shimon, the codes are 4 digit codes, and relate to the fact that the 300 locks use 4 levers (well, 8 levers are in the lock, but are in opposed pairs on opposite sides of the key) Each of these 4 digits can be from 1 to 4, so that only gives us 256 keys. Hmmm, that surprises me, I'll have to recheck the knowledge there... I was sure it would be more.